All He Wanted Was Peace
…and you will be my
witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends
of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
At age twenty-four, Dwight set out to “See the world with
Christ”. His lifestyle of hitchhiking from town to town in search of that day’s
destination had shown him more of the United States than most. Now, at
fifty-one, Dwight related parts of his journey, and some of the challenges he’d
experienced.
“I’ve traveled through more than forty states and seen a lot
of things over the years. I have met some interesting people. Many good people,
some of which God has used to provide for my needs.”
“I imagine you’ve known hunger, cold, heat…just about every extreme
a man would expect to encounter?” I questioned.
He smiled. “Yes, I’ve been hungry on many occasions; cold,
hot, tired, and weak too. I’ve spent two decades praying, asking God to guide
me to my next destination, somewhere I would find food and shelter.”
“Didn’t you ever want more?” I asked. “Like a home or long-term
relationships?”
“No. I have always felt that God wanted me to travel, taking
advantage of each opportunity He gives me to speak about His love. No…I can
honestly say I’ve never missed those things. I enjoy this life, and want
nothing more than to crisscross the country for Jesus, seeing where He’ll lead
me next. Truth is…all I ever wanted was His peace. And He gives it to me daily.”
†
Today’s text says that we who know Jesus as Lord and Savior will
tell others about Him. That is exactly what Dwight does, asking only for God’s
peace to sustain him as he travels a sometimes difficult and desolate route.
I cannot image there are many who would leave family, home,
and comfort, in exchange for the struggles Dwight meets on a daily basis in an
effort to witness God’s peace to others. It is a challenging mission.
And lest we judge, remember, the Disciples were all men who
left steady employment, family, and comfort to travel as God’s vagabonds,
speaking of His glorious riches, receiving only God’s peace in return.
It is enough for Dwight. Would it be enough for us?
Prayer
“Father, keep Dwight
safe today. Use him to expand the knowledge of Who You are to those he meets.
In Jesus’ Name, amen.”
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