Looks Bad? We May Never Know.

LOOKS BAD? YOU MAY NEVER KNOW?

THIS OBSTACLE MAY BRING THE ANSWER!

By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com

TEXT:

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28 (MSG) That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

Psalm 68:1 Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.

Psalm 68:1 (MSG) A David psalm Up with God! Down with his enemies! Adversaries, run for the hills!

SOMETIMES YOU WILL NEVER KNOW WHY? SOMETIMES WE MAY LEARN WHY? SOMETIMES ONLY ETERNITY WILL TELL? THIS TEST CAN BRING A TESTIMONY? THIS MESS MIGHT BRING A MESSAGE?

You may touch a life and never know it? In 38 ½ years of full time ministry we have had many opportunities to touch others. 34 years ago a family moved to the mountains from Pennsylvania. We were their pastor maybe 5 years. A job transfer moved them away. They were dear friends. We stayed in contact through the years. Several times in my 30 years here they would come and visit for a few years. 3 times would travel to Pennsylvania and visit them a few days.

In the last few years the man had serious health issues and could not travel. We had not been there in at least 10 years. But we often talked on the phone, we cried together and laughed together. Often we would remember the “good ole days.” Two months ago, I had heard very from them. I knew Carl was getting near the end of his journey so I told my wife, pack my bags and guitars I am going to Pennsylvania. She packed my bags. Daily she would ask me are you going today? I would say no. 3 weeks later I was traveling to do a rest home music program and I felt: TODAY! I finished the program, ate lunch with my co-workers and called my wife and said today. I came home, unloaded the PA set, amps, etc. I loaded my suitcase. I felt so dumb, but away I go. I should have left early.

Near Louisville I got stuck in a traffic and developed a bad headache. Should I turn around? 700 mile drive one way? I felt an urge I had to go. I called friends seeking prayer. In Cincinnati there was a wreck, I sat in bumper to bumper traffic. My head was pounding. I always have some kind of pill in the car for headaches. I stopped north of Cincinnati at a gas station and a drink. I was too sick to eat.

I called my wife and told her I was going to stop and get a room. I felt an urgency to continue. I did not stop. I made it to Columbus, the Wheeling, West Virginia and on in Pennsylvania. My head still hurting. I pulled into their town and told them I would be at their home in 15 minutes. I had not called them. I pulled in their drive

And walked into their house, his wife, two daughters, their husbands, 5 grandkids and other family members were gather. Carl was in a hospital bed, he knew me. The whole family was crying hard. I found out they made a decision that morning no more medicine but comfort medicines. No more water or food, Carl was dying. I had no idea?

That morning they asked Carl did he have a dying wish that they could do for him. He said: I would like to see Pastor Hughes one more time, and LATER THAT EVENING, 10:30 PM, I walked in the doctor. We visited, I send and it was apparent Carl was dying. In 10 minutes we were playing the guitar and singing. Carl was grinning ear to ear. We would sing and then remember the past. We laughed and laughed, cried and cried. About 4:30 AM I went down the street and to a motel and slept several hours, ate my free breakfast and back. Carl was still alive. The daughter said: Dad wants some more singing and old stories. Carl said very little. He just smiled. There were all kinds of kisses and hugs. My fingers ached, but my headache was gone. The hospice nurse was in and out. Many friends, family and church people would gather. Each one had a precious memory.

I had enough money for another night in the motel. So I stayed Friday night. Early Saturday morning I went. We picked and grinned a little. My plans were to head home. I need to be at church in the morning. The hospice man was so kind. He stayed and said: IT WILL BE SOON! So I stayed with my friend of many years. Soon Carl crossed the Jordan. Tears were like a river, the tears turned into joy! Peace was running through the house. Each said goodbye, I had to leave… About 7 PM, I loaded up and headed home. About 2 AM, I pulled in at the house.