Four years ago, Paul and Ali Smoot moved from Indiana to south Florida while I was going through the most difficult time of my life. Why was God moving my best friend away at this time?
That Fall, I retreated to their house for a week, figuring time with the Smoots would be about as close as I could get to God while trying to sort things out. It was an ideal sanctuary where I spent most of my time on their lanai, watching the lake behind their house and trusting that God was up to something special.
One day, I answered the door and met their neighbor, Frank. After he borrowed something from Paul and headed home, Ali told me that Frank was a Miami police officer and shared a little bit about his family. She and Paul had already been praying for them and their relationship with Jesus.
Fast forward to today.
About thirty people from The Pursuit family gathered around that very same lake this afternoon and watched Frank be baptized by Paul.
How amazing for Frank's wife to know that he loves God so much. What an example for his two sons and daughter. What a testimony to the power of prayer.
Because God says so in His word, we trust that He works all things for good for those who love Him. That said, we may not always have the opportunity to see the good happen right before our eyes while still on this earth. Today, God gave Matt, me and the Smoots the thrill of getting a complete answer to so many questions about things that have transpired in lives over the past decade. Who knows what He's up to that we don't see!
Praise!
Posted by: Jen Hills | October 13, 2008 at 07:33 PM
This is so amazing, so God.
Posted by: Jenina | October 16, 2008 at 11:23 AM
I cannot explain what an honor it was to have been there. Let alone, to have been involved in the promise of salvation that God has allowed us all.
Frank is a one of a kind individual who has always been exemplary in the qualities that God wants us all to have. His wonderful and very special wife Yanice has been praying for this event to take place for quite a while...and we know that God answers the prayers of the faithful.
Frank is a great friend and neighbor...I truly can't imagine a better one of either. Now I know that in eternity, he will still be a great friend and neighbor. May God bless and protect Frank as he protects us all.
Posted by: Paul | October 28, 2008 at 08:28 AM
Thank you for this Blog. I really needed to hear this today.
Posted by: Amy | January 09, 2009 at 10:15 AM
that is awesome! praise God!
p.s. i love it that you have inxs on your pod. no justin timberlake?
Posted by: Betsy | March 03, 2009 at 10:27 PM