Trust God

       A few days ago at a local restaurant, I couldn't help but overhear two men conversing rather loudly. I did not know either of them and had never seen them before. They could have been passing through town, or lived nearby. My point is that they were complete strangers to me.
       One was telling the other about what all he had been doing, since they had last seen each other. With solemn, expressionless faces, both rambled on, as they ate.
       Those at my table were waiting with me for our food to be served. We tried to talk but the men were very loud, so we politely smiled at each other as they continued.
       Our waiter suddenly walked around the corner with two huge trays, approaching our table. I turned my head to glance at the waiter and had to also look directly at the two men. To my surprise, one mans face quickly lit up, and a smile grew from ear to ear. His eyebrows rose upward, and he actually laughed in what appeared to be genuine happiness. He was staring at his friend and he spoke with a new softness that displayed affection about the person he was referring to.
        "We moved my mother-in-law in with us, and I even invited the pastor to come have dinner at our house after church Sunday."
        "At your house?" The other man spoke in a shocked tone.
        The first man nodded his head in agreement. "Yes, she likes to talk like that!" He smiled again summing up the conversation, and was obviously proud of himself to give her this opportunity.
       The other man changed the subject back to business, and I could not get that phrase out of my mind.
       She likes to talk like that.
       Wow. Brings to mind different scenarios, and so many ways to look at them.
       And no, I am not trying to judge either of the men. I do not judge, God does. I am a sinner trying to live correctly. None of us are perfect.
       Yet, the phrase keeps staying fresh on my mind. I have a strong belief in my faith and have strong convictions. I try to treat others as I would like to be treated also.
       Would a stranger think that I "liked to talk like that?" Or would my actions speak for themselves? Would they know me for my Christian faith, and my Christian values? I pray to be a friend and a Christian example to others.
       Was the first man telling his friend about his mother-in-law as a way to "break the ice" and discuss his spiritual beliefs?
       Was the other man having lunch to keep a "valuable contact"? A guess would be a waste of time. Never assume anything.
       How often have any of us, in our Christian journey, came in contact with someone who has ulterior motives for being your friend? Maybe to get information? Would we further their climb up the ladder by their being associated with a Christian friend? If so, I hope we "rub off" on them. :)
       Are they after what they can get from you? Are you being used? Would their "talk" be one of true, practiced, and strong; faith and convictions, or have we found ourselves with pretentious people? Pray for them just as strongly as you would pray for anything!
       When I pray for my enemies I always add that Christian's be placed in their pathways. I could be the Christian that God has placed in someone's path. You could be.
       Who do you trust? In today's sermon at my church, we learned through scripture that you can not trust man. You can only trust God.
       Psalms 32:10, "Many sorrows shall be to the wicked, but he who trusts in the LORD, mercy shall compass him apart."
       Psalms 118:8, "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."
       Psalms 56:3&4, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God I will praise His Word, in God I will not fear what flesh can do unto me."
       Psalms 18:2, "The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my Deliverer, my God, my strength, in Whom I will trust, my Buckler, and the Horn of my Salvation, and my High Tower."
       Wherever this Christmas finds you, or whoever you encounter, pray earnestly for all to hear of our salvation by Jesus Christ.