Trust in God results in obedience to God!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5)

What does it mean to trust in the LORD with all your heart?

For the past two days, I’ve shared some stories of miracles resulting from my involvement with the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). Let me share one more.

In October 2002, the Holy Spirit prompted me to drive seven hours to go to a large FCA retreat in Asheville North Carolina at The Cove – the Billy Graham Training Center. I had never been to Asheville before. I didn’t know who would be at the retreat or what the agenda was.

I expected there to be a few hundred FCA students, but it turned out the retreat was mainly for regional and national adult leaders of the FCA. I learned the FCA was birthed 48 years previously and this happened to be the first major reunion of founding FCA members since.

One of the people I met at this FCA retreat was Doug Barclay. It turned out he was from the Atlanta area and wasn’t even involved with the FCA. However, one of his friends from Atlanta who was involved with the FCA invited Doug to come. Doug and I hit it off and spent several hours talking over a few days.

Then I didn’t hear from Doug until December 16, 2002 when I received his email stating: “You probably do not realize it, but you continue to play a part in my testimony when I share what God is doing in my life.  The entire weekend at The Cove was not only a great experience, but everything that occurred was a confirmation that God has invited me to join Him by serving with Operation Mobilization. I want to thank you for your words of encouragement and the time we spent together that weekend.”

I learned Doug had stepped out in faith leaving his full-time sales job in November in the hopes to begin working in a key marketing position at the headquarters for Operation Mobilization (OM). However, OM did not allow people to begin working until they first raised enough financial support for an entire year. So Doug had no income with his daughter in college and his son planning to go to college in a year and a half.

On January 29, 2003, Doug stopped to visit me in Woodstock Virginia during his long drive from Atlanta to Ohio in an attempt to raise the necessary financial support to begin working for OM. I learned Doug’s current financial supporters had pledged anywhere from $30/month to $100/month. After Doug left, I figured I could help Doug by networking him with other people but not financially because I was working as an anesthesiologist only 12-16 weeks of the year and our family had a negative cash flow.

However, God saw things differently. The Holy Spirit quickly went to work in my life convicting me of selfishness and teaching me about “The Blessed Life” resulting from extravagant giving. How could I ignore Doug’s desperate financial situation when I had the opportunity to work as an anesthesiologist as much as I wanted earning $1,200/day?

The Holy Spirit told me to give to Doug. So my bargaining with God began. I proudly offered to give Doug $100/month ($1,200/year), which was as much as Doug’s highest donor. God said that wasn’t enough. I offered to give Doug $500/month. God said that wasn’t enough. I offered to give Doug $1,200/month. God said that was perfect.

When I called Doug to pledge $14,400 over a year, I learned that was the exact amount he needed to reach his pre-determined salary goal and begin working for OM. Amazing enough, Doug’s first day of work at OM was 03-03-03 (March 3, 2003). Biblically speaking, the number “3” represents divine perfection with the Trinity consisting of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Story of the $200 Miracle Seed

The Story of the $14,400 Miracle Seed

Prayer Power
Most gracious, heavenly Father, thank You for the way you provide for Your children. Thank You that I have not had a single day in my life that You did not provide for me. Thank You for Doug Barclay and Operation Mobilization. May this be the greatest year in the of Doug’s family and OM. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Blessings to walk in trust and live in faith!

 
June 8, 2014 UPDATE: In 2007, the Lord told me 12 people were going to sow a $14,400 miracle seed into my life and His billion soul vision. During 2007-2010, four different people invested $14,400 into my life. I am praying and believing eight more people will sow a $14,400 miracle seed in my life and God’s billion soul vision in 2014.