Seemingly Meaningless Events

When I was in High School, someone gave me an orange pocket-sized New Testament Bible. I have no recollection of who gave it to me. I don't remember my reaction when it was given to me. I might not have even said thank you. But I kept it.

A few years after High School, I began my conversion process. I don't really remember ever reading this Bible, but I do recall reading the scripture right after the intro. This particular Bible has John 3:16 in 26 languages and I used to read through them all the time. Once I got my hands on a complete Bible, I put this one in a box and forgot it existed.

A few weeks ago, I was looking through pictures in the very same box, and I thought I saw the Bible but thought so little of it, I wasn't even sure if I had seen it.

Yesterday, as I was sitting at my desk, I was wishing I had a bible with me. I have about 20 at home, but none of them are small enough to carry in my bag. And I thought of the little orange bible. I decided I'd go home and look for it. It was in the picture box. It's a perfect fit for my bag.

This morning I was sitting in church waiting for Mass to begin. I took the little bible out and began to read the intro. This is what it says:

THE BIBLE contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.

CHRIST is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end.

It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

NOW this makes sense to me. NOW I can appreciate the wisdom and I see the beauty of what was written in that orange pocket-sized New Testament Bible. NOW I see that God was calling me way before I ever stopped to listen to His Voice.

As I said, I don't even remember who gave me this Bible. What I do know is that God's plans are so amazing. He plans everything down to the smallest detail. A seemingly meaningless event that happened years ago may have an impact on you today... You never saw it coming. You could never imagine that the two would be related. But they are. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Thank you God for calling me. Thank you for giving me the Grace to respond. And thank you for the servants you have sent into my life to spread your message of Love for me. Bless the brother or sister who gave me this Bible.