Craig Clouston

 

All He Wanted Was Peace

December 5

…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 imagine 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.”