01.29.07

Frustrations and the Holy Spirit’s Fruit

Posted in Uncategorized on January 29th, 2007 at 7:02 pm by Bill Williams

by Bill Williams

At the request of our dear sister Dee, I’m posting this here at Grace Notes…

I went to the bank to make a deposit a couple of days ago. There was only one teller on duty at this small branch. The line was long. I waited patiently for the five people who were in front of me. It seemed to take forever for each one to do his or her business.

Finally, my time arrived. With her usual cheerful countenance, a teller named Connie said, “Next.”

I stepped to the window. I handed her my deposit. She counted the cash in typical bank teller fashion. After the second time her nimble fingers worked their magic on my $20 bills, she looked at me and said, “You’re one short.”

Instantly, I thought I knew what had happened. Earlier, I had tucked the deposit under the sun visor in the car. When I pulled it out, one of the $20’s must have gotten stuck and separated from the deposit.

Regardless, my time waiting in the line had been wasted. Not only would I have to return to the car to find the missing money, I would also have to wait in line once again. GRRRR.

When I returned, I was glad to see that only one person was ahead of me. An elderly woman who could barely see over the counter was standing at the window transacting her business. I heard her tell Connie in a shaky voice that she had gotten lost on her way to the bank. She said it took her over an hour to find the place. She then asked if Connie could tell her the best way to get back home. Connie said, “I’m new here. Even if I wasn’t, I’m terrible at giving directions.”

The dear woman’s shoulders drooped. Even though I was standing behind her, I could sense the expression of concern on her face. Connie’s eyes met mine. A look of concern was on her face. I spoke up and told them both that I would help this woman find her way home. Connie was relieved. The woman quickly stepped aside to let me conduct my business. But, she didn’t go far. She was like a scared little child who didn’t want to get too far from her daddy.  

Connie deftly handled my deposit. The older woman and I were soon out the door. I was able to give her simple directions back to a place with which she was familiar. All she needed to do is make one right turn and then one left turn on to a road that would take her to familiar environs within 10 minutes. She would be parked in her garage within 15 minutes.

She was so grateful. I was humbled. We went our separate ways. As I drove towards home, I remembered something my wife and I have often discussed. We are agreed that not everything that happens to us is for us. I had just experienced this.

God had a job for me. It wasn’t a big job. It hardly required any effort at all. But, it did make a big difference in this woman’s life. She was probably praying about her predicament the whole time she searched for the bank. God had her answer all worked out. His Spirit working inwardly in me was producing the fruit of patience necessary for His servant to be in the right place at the right time. All I had to do was walk my talk and I would be right where God wanted me to be in order to help this dear woman find her way back home without incident.

Why was I so humbled by this? Well, I almost blew it. For a moment, while I was standing behind this woman, the thought that crossed my mind was something like, “I don’t need this. I might have to drive several miles out of my way just to lead this woman back to her neighborhood. I’m in a hurry. I have places to go. I have important things to do. Keep quiet, Bill. It’s really none of your business, anyway.”

When the trembling hand of this dear woman touched my arm as she was thanking me for taking the time to help an “old woman”, I knew I’d done the right thing. I’m glad the Spirit of God guided my steps in the pathway of righteousness. I’m glad God used me to help this dear soul that day.

Now, I’m wondering how many opportunities like this I’ve missed in the past, because I was not walking in step with the Spirit. Has anyone else had similar experiences?

© Bill Williams (2007-01-28)

Originally posted at: The Spiritual Oasis Blog



01.18.07

Bill and Patty

Posted in Uncategorized on January 18th, 2007 at 3:30 am by Greg England

by Greg England

When my family moved to Long Beach last century, the auditorium class at the church was being taught by a guest teacher from Pepperdine University. He was a very quiet man. Soft spoken. Used an overhead projector and drew out little figures to illustrate his lesson. He had formerly worshipped at Long Beach and served as a deacon. I sat amazed at this man’s wisdom … and his artistic ability in that I can’t even trace a picture and it look good.

Over the years I’ve heard Bill teach many classes. I’ve spent time in meaningful discussion with him. I’ve invited him back to Long Beach to speak on special occasions. I’ve read his books. I’ve grown to love and respect him deeply. He is the most Christ-centered, spiritual man I’ve ever known. He is also the wisest man I’ve ever known.

The past few years brought much pain to Bill’s life. His mother - herself a wonderful lady - went through a slow process of dying. During this time, Bill’s wife (whom I did not know very well) was battling cancer and lost the battle. Actually, if we believe what we say we believe, then she actually won the battle! Shortly after her funeral, we came together again to bury his sweet mother.

Recently, on a Sunday afternoon, about 140 people gathered at our church to listen to Bill and Patty repeat their vows to one another. Actually, they were married in November, but that Sunday was the day we all gathered to share in their joy. It was a wonderful afternoon! Patty is a sweetheart from Texas … has that accent that melted my heart … and has trusted in God for 14 years to bring a man into her life after the death of her husband. That Bill and Patty found one another is a God-thing.

Knowing what I know about Bill says a lot about the woman of faith Patty happens to be. It was a good day all around, and further evidence that God is not through with Bill nor Patty, even though they weathered some severe storms.

Whatever storm(s) you may be weathering now is not evidence that God is punishing you or has abandoned you. In time you may or may not see the purpose of the storm … but as long as you draw breath on this earth, God is not through with you! And as long as I can hold that thought, I can endure the storm for there is no safer place in a storm than in the Father’s arms.