So... It has been entirely TOO long since I've consistently blogged. The LORD has been truly faithful, and has been teaching me so much these past two years. One of those areas that He has been dealing with me in is TRUSTING Him in every single area of my life. One of the ways he has been teaching me is not only through circumstances, but through people.
About a year ago, my husband and I met a man named Fred. He is a 62 years old street evangelist in Atlanta, GA. And he is FAITH-FULL!! I mean, in the same spot, at the same time, every day, at probably the busiest train station in Atlanta, Five Points. What really captures not only my heart, but my admiration, is that he is homeless and blind. He has endured affliction after affliction, but has clung to the rock that is higher than him. Psalm 61:2 "From the end of the earth I call to you, when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I." ESV
Though he cannot see, he makes his way to the train station at about 8am everyday. The location is extremely noisy, but his voice projects over all that is going on, proclaiming the truth of God's word. It's not a ministry of condemnation, but reconciliation. His life--the way God has graced him to live it--has not taught me a message about how God will prosper me, but how even in the hard, troubling times, there is a JOY to be found in God. There is a peace and a confidence to know that even the bad times are meant for my good... internally and eternally. I have learned that sometimes, in order to live by faith, the pillars that I have so comfortably leaned on, (money, jobs, people) MUST be torn down to help me learn to depend on GOD. If we're honest with ourselves, our American culture, has taught many of us, how to depend on ourselves and our parents. It's not until life gets tumultuous that we have the opportunity to learn that God is our strong foundation and refuge. Money, jobs, people etc. are all just resources that the True Source supplies! When all the resources are gone God still has an abundance of peace, provision, and power. These earthly, temporary thing come and go, but God does NOT change. James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift comes from above, coming from the Father of lights with whom there is NO variation or shadow due to change." ESV
I've often wondered how I would fair being homeless. Yet even without a home, Fred is a person who remains faithful in little, and my prayer is that God will soon allow him to be faithful over much. Consider my friend Fred the next time you have to drag yourself out of bed to get to work, at your next unexpected financial expense, or when any undesirable life circumstance comes up. He has truly learned how to be brought low, while finding contentment in God. He is an example to all of us that joy abounds in our fellowshipping with our Father. There is NOTHING too hard for God, and with Him, you CAN endure and do all things through Christ who is your strength. Philippians 4:11-13 "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."ESV
Please be praying for our friend Frederick Brice, as we help him embark on this journey of physical and financial restoration.
If you would like to learn a little more about Fred's life and want to be a part of his restoration, please visit his gofundme account. Here's the link: http://www.gofundme.com/7rgdj4
Here's a short video about Fred. I hope and pray that it blesses you!
