‘If I can just get my strength back, I’ve got to find Jim.’ I said this to my family soon after I got out of the hospital. When you don’t think you have long to live, the important things come clearly into focus. We’re probably all supposed to live with such clarity.
Several times, since we’ve known each other, Jim has tried to escape a life of drug addiction. I knew he was back on the streets of Atlanta and I knew things needed to change. When I got a little stronger this past summer, I went to find him. For three weeks I searched for him to no avail. “Lord, you love Jim more than I do! Why can’t I find him?” Even in our most noble pursuits we must depend on God to be at work. “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.”
Jim heard I was looking for him. He was sick of the life he was in – no home, no food, no future. He started turning away from the things he knew were wrong. He went four days without drugs while praying that I would find him. God heard our prayers.
What a reunion of friends! A weak, bald-headed cancer patient and a skinny guy with long hair, owning only the clothes on his back, hugged on the street corner. Jim came home with me. He knew he had a difficult path before him, but he also knew God gives hope.
Some of our best friends have opened their home to anyone in trouble. For several weeks, Jim has lived with a wonderful family who has offered nourishment for the body and soul. Jim has stayed clean over two and a half months. He is working, he is walking with the Lord, and he is surrounded by people who really love him. His Hope is our Hope and I’m so thankful Jesus rescued my friend.
Jim’s story is not much different than mine. I struggled with different sins, perhaps, but the end was going to be the same. A Good Shepherd came looking for me. He picked me up, put me on His shoulders, and rescued me. When I repented the angels in heaven rejoiced! He put me in a wonderful family and He has surrounded me with incredible love. He has saved me and He has given me work to do. I am so thankful. I want to be just like this Good Shepherd.
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.” John 15:16
“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke 15:3-7