As I think back through my life there has been some times that touched me through someone or something and I have to believe there was great purpose in that. Life has a way of challenging us and our beliefs, bringing us useless doubts that cloud our vision of the eternal. None of us need those doubts, but sometimes they are there to make us ponder and dig deep down to discover the reality and truth of our Heavenly Father. Today I want to tell you about a man that I hardly knew – I cannot even remember his name, but he gave me a God Sign as a teenager that I have never forgotten.

When I was in high school attending University Baptist Church, I would often see a huge hulk of a man, in his 50’s or 60’s at the time attending the services. Not a particularly attractive person so that I would be drawn to him, but someone who was hard to miss. As best I could remember he was married to a small framed woman who dressed very plainly. I remember that I had not seen him for a while when I heard he was sick. I did not think about him until I heard he had passed away. That Sunday the sermon was about his life.

Brother Jack, our pastor, approached the pulpit a bit slower than normal. Even from my seat I could see that he was fighting back tears as he eulogized this giant of a man who few of us really knew. He spoke of his pro football career and how he had made a name for himself before there was an NFL. He told how this quiet man that most of us saw but never approached was one of the best. But, not just because of his athletic prowess, but because of his heart. While he lived simply and without fanfare, he spent many of his later life visiting and encouraging people whom many overlooked or paid little attention to. He simply slipped under the radar.

After Brother Jack revealed to us the quality of the man, he told us of his dying moment. He spoke of how they were all gathered around his bed trying to comfort as well as be comforted. Then in a brief few seconds while they were praying he opened his eyes and smiled at them and said this: “It’s O. K., the bells have begun.” As a teenager, indifferent to most “old people” I cried. That man gave me a God moment. He told everyone sitting in the church that day that what we believe in is real and there can be no doubt that the eternal exists and that we are predestined for God’s love if we will simply accept it. It’s not often that God’s realm speaks so clearly to us humans but He did that day.

When I have times of challenge and when the questions arise, my mind takes me back to a day in 1963 when The Lord positioned Himself for my trust. He gave me evidence, real evidence of His existence and that someone who kept His principles would not be forgotten at the most difficult moment life has to offer. He provided peace during a time of trouble. He provided joy to those who were sad. He provided hope where often there can be little or no hope to grasp. He was true to the scripture: “His faithfulness endures forever.” God signs are for the moments when life becomes challenging. As you face times of challenges, take this moment with you. It’s real, like the wind, even though you cannot see it.

Love Dad