Last week, I shared how God absolutely needed to redirect me from sharing “my interpretation” of what He wanted to say to “the words He actually wanted spoken”. There is a part two of this happening. I share it now.
His name is Osvaldo. Last blog, I labeled him only as master craftsman. Today, I introduce him as a man of God, reaching out to his brothers and sisters in Christ.
Having absolutely no advance warning that my home was going to be torn apart, to say the least, I was not ready for the floor team’s arrival. Literally, they entered as I was exiting my garage with empty laundry baskets in which to safe keep the contents of my curio cabinets and other display pieces. Osvaldo’s inquiries, regarding my wishes for installation of my new flooring, were answered as he followed me from linen closet to linen closet in pursuit of every available towel to pad my treasures temporarily needing shelter in plastic containers. Besides technical questions, Osvaldo spoke nothing; but I sensed his thoughts were constructing not just my floors, but also, the core significance behind all I was taking apart.
At 5:10 that afternoon, and before Osvaldo and crew were ready to call it a workday, I needed to leave to take my grandbaby to his swim lesson. Interrupting Osvaldo’s work, I announced my departure; but, after observing all day his and his crew’s character, I totally trusted him to lock my doors whenever he chose to stop working. Told him, honestly, that I sensed he was a ground layer, just like Jesus. Never will I forget his words back to me. He replied that he had read my home, both what I had taken apart and all that was still in place. He added, he trusted me, too, and recognized me as a sister in Christ.
Wow!!! At that moment, God completely revealed Osvaldo, from the get-go, was a part of HIS plan. All the unexplained pieces, that miraculously resulted in my floors being done weeks earlier than scheduled, now fell under the classification of “GOD INCIDENCE” — even down to the fact that God’s own man was in charge of the physical job!!! God, as is HIS norm, hadn’t overlooked a single element in HIS plan.
Heading out to swim class and shaking my head in awe, I told God, “No way did I author this day. Your handwriting, from start to finish, is all over it. Amen and Alleluia!!!”.
Next morning, as Osvaldo and crew were arriving, I was collecting my notebook and Bible for Grammy prayer meeting at church. After telling Osvaldo where I was going and approximately when I’d be home, I walked out the door. Osvaldo followed close behind. Confidently and automatically, I assumed Osvaldo was following me to move his truck, so I could get my car out of the garage. (My thinking, once more, was way off target from the message God was delivering.) Turning around, I told Osvaldo he didn’t need to worry about his truck as I had backed my car onto the street before he arrived. I didn’t think Osvaldo understood me as he came in front of me and ducked into his truck. Let me assure you all, Osvaldo wasn’t the one who misunderstood. Nope, it was I, again banking on my words instead of tuning in to God’s message. Good golly, I was on a roll, and it was all downhill!!!
Popping out of his truck, Osvaldo’s was holding a beautiful treasure. Passing it to me, Osvaldo explained he made what his hands were physically presenting me; but God was giving it to me. Into my palms, Osvaldo placed the masterpiece my master craftsman had built for his Lord and Master. Using flooring components as the foundation, Osvaldo had chiseled “JESUS” — thus, making both a statement and a plaque. Upon the name of our Redeemer, he had overlayed the letters “LOVES U”.
Teary eyed, my hands were now grasping God’s sign, representing how deeply embedded He is in all the moments, circumstances and paths of my life. Even when I stray off God’s course, mistakenly thinking I am right on target for Him, He makes clear His will and way and guides me back through amazing “GOD INCIDENCES”.
Before Osvaldo left my home, he presented me duplicates of his work for God. He said he believed God wanted me to give one to the young girl I was mentoring as he began my floors and the other to someone I knew, who needed it and would know God was sending it to her. I have fulfilled Osvaldo’s, and God’s, wishes; but my soul truly believes, in essence, all need to be reminded that “JESUS LOVES U”. May this story, which I have just shared, touch your heart and soul and remind you that no matter how your journey through life is going, “JESUS LOVES U” and always will.
Uplifted in a Broken Down World 