Do you have anything unique in your life that reminds you of God’s presence and blessings, and gives you joy? Something personal that might only mean something to you because of a past experience when God spoke to you or worked in an extra special way in your life?
Lately, some of you might have seen me driving my new, actually old, not normal, 1986 GMC pickup. It provides me with a lot of gratitude and joy, and also sparks interesting conversations with people of all ages at gas stations. How I came by the truck is a long story of God’s grace, friends, kindness, provision, and love. (A story for possibly another time.)
An often-asked question is why “58” is part of the unique paint scheme? The long answer takes some storytelling, but the condensed version is because “58” reminds me of God’s presence and blessings, and makes me smile. It’s also a great way to let others know of His goodness. And don’t get all crazy on me. I’m not becoming a numerologist or placing my faith in numbers, mathematics, or science. My faith is still in the One and Only true God as most fully revealed by Jesus the Christ, who is the only Son of God and Savior of the World. Anyway, here’s why:
In the middle of Cuba, in a pastor’s house, hidden away in a desk drawer, God spoke to me in a rather strange but very personal way, for which I was and am exceedingly thankful! Later, after explaining to Pastor Esdras, he told me how several months earlier he had the desire to have this plaque made, and it was still sitting in the drawer, just waiting to be placed on the outside of his house. You see, his house street number was 58! Who knew? God knew! God spoke! How does God speak to you in unique and personal ways?
Peace,
steve
Lately, some of you might have seen me driving my new, actually old, not normal, 1986 GMC pickup. It provides me with a lot of gratitude and joy, and also sparks interesting conversations with people of all ages at gas stations. How I came by the truck is a long story of God’s grace, friends, kindness, provision, and love. (A story for possibly another time.)
An often-asked question is why “58” is part of the unique paint scheme? The long answer takes some storytelling, but the condensed version is because “58” reminds me of God’s presence and blessings, and makes me smile. It’s also a great way to let others know of His goodness. And don’t get all crazy on me. I’m not becoming a numerologist or placing my faith in numbers, mathematics, or science. My faith is still in the One and Only true God as most fully revealed by Jesus the Christ, who is the only Son of God and Savior of the World. Anyway, here’s why:
- I was born in 1958.
- One of my favorite Steelers was the crazy and talented Jack Lambert, who wore 58.
- I grew up in the small town of Callensburg, Pennsylvania, and PA 58 runs right next to our town.
- One of my favorite verses is Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
- The key reason is… a few years back, while Paul Lavender, Larry Cox, Juan Pablo, and I were in Cuba, one evening as we sat in Pastor Esdras’ living room talking, I felt myself getting uptight and uneasy. My mind was rolling over how we were in a country with a Communist dictator, how we had no direct contact with home, how we still needed to make it safely through customs, and other negative thoughts. So, to myself, I prayed asking for God the Father’s comfort. To distract myself, I then walked into Esdras' office. As I walked in, he was closing a desk drawer, at which time, something very fleetingly caught my eye. I quickly asked if he would mind opening the drawer again. As he did, I smiled and a flood of calm and joy settled in my spirit. It was as if God said, “I know, I’ve got this, you’re okay, I’m with you!” Inside the drawer was a small wooden plaque on which was mounted the bright, shiny brass number 58!
In the middle of Cuba, in a pastor’s house, hidden away in a desk drawer, God spoke to me in a rather strange but very personal way, for which I was and am exceedingly thankful! Later, after explaining to Pastor Esdras, he told me how several months earlier he had the desire to have this plaque made, and it was still sitting in the drawer, just waiting to be placed on the outside of his house. You see, his house street number was 58! Who knew? God knew! God spoke! How does God speak to you in unique and personal ways?
Peace,
steve