I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13
Sometimes in our lives, we find ourselves faced with obstacles that seem impossible to overcome. As Christians we believe that God will provide for our lives and watch over us, but it can sometimes feel like we are in too deep, too far in the darkness for God to see us.
I came across a story on the news about a man named Tarec Atkinson, a 37-year-old who had grown up in Jamaica and came to the United States as a young man. In Jamaica he dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player and of a better opportunity in America. But like many, Tarec found it harder to make his way in America than he had thought, and for the past year he has been homeless – living in a tent beside the freeway in San Francisco. He often went days without food and sometimes survived by foraging for berries. Without money, food, or adequate shelter, he found it impossible to find a job.
One day, Tarec was sitting outside a Starbucks when 28-year-old Adam August was on a coffee run for his office. Adam had seen him before, and something compelled him that day to stop. Adam asked Tarec if he would like to have lunch with him. As they ate and talked, Adam learned of his past and his hardship, and Adam realized that one meal was not enough to help get his new friend back on his feet. Adam offered for Tarec to take a shower at his apartment, and then took him to buy some new clothes for job interviews. Since most businesses now only use online applications, Adam took him to the library to fill some out. He found that Tarec even needed help filling out the questions in the application, and Adam went with him on his interviews to provide support. The team eventually landed Tarec a job at a local grocery store, and Adam is now raising money to find Tarec a permanent place to live. When asked about the experience, Adam said, “My hope in sharing this story is that it will inspire others to spread love. We all need help in one way or another. Sometimes all someone needs is a friend.”
While we often can’t see it at the time, God has the power to make the impossible, possible. God used Adam’s friendship and kindness to bring Tarec out of the darkness and show him that he is not alone. God uses each one of us to share His love and hope with the world, even if it is one person at a time. Think of a time when God has used someone in your life to bring you hope, and ask yourself, will you be ready when he calls you to do the impossible?
Candace Fish, Edmond Campus Director of Traditional Worship
