They that wait

On Sunday morning as I was listening to someone’s solo in church, my mind began to wander and I thought of this principal’s lack of faith in the Scripture. Suddenly, the happenings of that morning worship service were gone from my presence, and I found myself in a different world. Words—beautiful, poetic words—of response began to flow through my mind, and I quickly grabbed a pencil and paper and began to write. For the first time my life, my blinded eyes were opened! I finally realized that God could inspire a man to use what simple, small talent he possesses to fulfill His purpose on earth. I believe God’s purpose in this revelation to me was two-fold:
 Even though I had always believed that Scripture was true, I questioned exactly what was meant by “inspired.” What a revelation—that His words should flow through even me!
 God is able to use my life and my limited ability to enlighten those around me.

Now I, like the blind man, respond to those asking questions, “I can’t tell you how, I can’t answer all your questions, I can only tell you that once I was blind, but now I see!”

My first inspired poem, “Jonah and the Whale,” was only the beginning of wonderful things to come as God and I became co-workers.

Jonah and the Whale

I heard a man ask the question,
“Was Jonah really swallowed by a whale?”
And, laughing, he muttered unbelievingly,
“Just a legend, an old Bible tale.”

My mind began to ponder
As I traced Bible history;
Did God create the universe,
Adam and Eve, and you and me?

Was Joseph sold by his brothers
To become an Egyptian slave?
Did he really become a leader?
And later his family did he save?

Did Moses see a burning bush,
And lead Israelites through the Red Sea?
Did Noah really build an ark,
Saving two animals each and his family?

Did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
Walk through the fire safe and sound?
Was Daniel protected in the lion’s den?
Did David kill the giant while Philistines stood ‘round?

Were prophets sent to carry a message
That the world might turn from sin?
As time passed on, did their words prove true,
As people turned from God again and again?

Did God choose Mary, a virgin girl,
To bear His beloved Son?
And did the wise men follow a star?
Did the shepherds hear the angels and come?

Did Jesus walk on this sinful earth
And cause the blind to see?
Did He make the lame to walk again,
And cure those with leprosy?

Was He crucified upon the cross,
And did He then rise from the dead
So that we might receive salvation
And by His spirit be led?

Somehow I question not these “tales,”
All a part of Bible history;
Seems not much different at all
From our own country’s past to me.

Was George Washington really the Father
Of our own great country?
Did Abraham Lincoln give a Gettysburg Address?
And were the slaves set free?

I believe it all, it was written down
By those who saw and heard;
So historians today watch and observe,
Then begin to write word by word.

And you know, the great God I love and serve
Is omnipotent in His power.
I cannot question His ability to perform
Any miracle at any hour.

He performed the greatest miracle of all
When He saved this soul of mine;
And He who can erase sin from the soul
Can do anything, at any time.