When I first moved to Seattle I had what I thought was a dream job working in the drum shop at Guitar Center in Lynnwood. I had charge of my own drum shop and nearly autonomous control of over 100K in drums. I began to build relationships with people and get plugged into the community as a result. One of the amazing people I got to know was Mike. He and I shared similar vision for improving drum hardware and product design. Mike actually went so far as to build his own hardware and modify existing gear to fit his personal needs. I admired his intensity and his passion for the craft as well as his vision for the future. As far as experiences went, he is someone who has lived a crazy unique life, seemingly full of adventures, ups and downs and everything in between.
As the Lord would have it (explanation later) we ended up as roommates for a time in lovely Everett. We had some intense conversations about life and the meaning of, God, etc… Mike is a rare kind of man. He has risen above so many things that would have destroyed lesser men, and he has done it time and again. He is extremely intelligent yet down to earth. He has a strong sense of self and he owns his life with an impenetrable confidence. He has no tolerance for bullshit. He has a vitality that belies his age and I look up to him. Our debates would always seem to hit a brick wall at the concept of faith. Looking back now, I can clearly see the gaping hole in his life. The hole that can only be filled with the love of Jesus.
I was in the beginning stages of a debilitating life crash that Christ would use to bring me back to the church and to Epic Life. Mike and I were not really compatible housemates and our time together came to an abrupt end which resulted in us not talking for about two years. From time to time I would think about Mike with regret for the way I acted, things I’d done or hadn’t done. I need to point out that I was not living as a Christ follower when I knew Mike. I have said that I’ve always been a believer, just not an example.
Today I get a call from Mike who tracked me down through mutual acquaintances. Instantly I felt compelled to apologize for the way our relationship ended, so I did. He responded with an apology of his own and told me all was forgiven because I had been directly responsible for him becoming a Christian.
I lost it. Just started crying like a baby. I have prayed for the opportunity to bring His love to someone, a chance to answer the great commission. This is the might and power of my God. He speaks into hearts through wretches like me, not to fulfill some desire of mine, but for the glory of the kingdom of Heaven. Even our lowest points in life where we are lost and all hope is abandoned, when we can’t help but f things up and we are not even thinking about Him, Even those things He will use for the Glory of God almighty. In all things praise Him, my friends, consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds, because if our God if for us, then what could stand against?
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