subway entrance in Toronto, Canada

One of those people

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)

There was a time, shortly after I’d recommitted my life to Jesus when God sent me to boot camp. Not a military camp, but one of which God created just for me. God’s boot camp lasted several years. He was teaching me to trust him. I won’t bore you with all the details, but I will share one odd thing God had me do. He had me go to Canada.

I knew no one in Canada except Jesus. I had some vacation time that I needed to use, and I had a bit of money so I headed to Toronto. I learned how to book an international flight and I learned how to go through Customs. These experiences were very worthwhile since I ended up doing a lot of international travel.

Upon my arrival, I walked down to the baggage claim in Toronto, Canada with no agenda, nobody to help me, and no apparent reason to be there; the Holy Spirit just said to me, “Go.” 

It’s a bit strange when you’re standing in the arrival area of an airport and you have no idea where to go. So, I prayed. I saw a phone with a list of hotels. I scanned the list, picked up the phone, and asked if I could get a room for several days. Yes! And it was downtown and close to the subway. Cool!

During my visit, I learned to find my way around the city on a subway. I met a Christian that owned a recording studio so we hung out there while he and his crew recorded several songs for a Canadian Christian group. After I left him, I called the switchboard of the Canadian BBC and asked if I could see their operation. They connected me with the Chief Engineer. He was a Christian, and he arranged to meet me at a side door to their building. I got a personal tour and met a very interesting Christian. Several other “divine appointments” happened. 

When I was ready to go home, I entered the airport just when an announcement came over the speakers saying that the Canadian pilots had gone on strike! Everybody started calling hotels. It was a madhouse. I went back to the sign that listed hotels. I picked up the phone and called one. I got the last available room. I needed a taxi, but all the taxis were full, but God made a way for me to share a cab with a Japanese couple that spoke no English. A couple of days elapsed, the strike ended, and I got home in time to go back to work without being late.

I learned so much on that trip. The most important thing I learned was to look for Jesus in people. When I saw Him, I saw a Christian that I could receive whatever help I needed. That lesson has served me well and challenged me to be one of those people. I pray the same for you. Amen.

Photo by LinedPhoto on Unsplash

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