God Sends Specific Friends for a Season

Me and Al in his office

About 18 years ago, I worked for a mega church with over 6000 members. The staff was pretty big, too - with over 200 employees. I loved my job there and loved my boss. 

My boss used to be a Catholic priest so I thought it pretty interesting that he was now working for a Southern Baptist Church. 

One day, he shared his testimony. During that time, he talked about his life in the priesthood. He was a devout Catholic following the rituals of Catholicism but felt there was much more. That longing led him to someone who introduced him to the principles of living the exchanged life and from that point forward, he was a completely different man. 

The term "Exchanged Life" is taken from Isaiah 40:31. English translations refer to those who wait on or hope in the Lord as being able to "renew" their strength. Many commentaries and study Bibles note the literal translation of the Hebrew word for "renew" is "exchange." Those who wait on the Lord will exchange their strength for His strength, as stated in verses 25-30. Basically, when we allow Christ to be our life, we live, move, and have our being in Him. In essence, we exchange our life for His. 

Al was instrumental in helping many staff and members of the church understand the exchanged life principles and he was a shining light in my eyes. He was so humble and kind. Working closely with him, I saw him exhibit Christ daily. 

I am so thankful, when I applied to work at that church many years ago, I was given the opportunity to work under Al. I know God placed him in my life for that specific season and for multiple reasons. He not only became a father figure to me, he became my spiritual father guiding me, listening to me, praying with and for me, and encouraging me to always look to Christ in all things. 

Al's faith was amazing and can be summed up in the words of St. Francis of Assisi: "Preach Christ at all times, if necessary, use words." 

Throughout my life, God has placed specific people in my path. Sometimes they minister to me and other times, I have the opportunity to minister to them. Either way, I know each encounter is divinely ordained - just like my time with Al. 

We only got 7 years together before Al was forced to retire. The church felt he was too old to continue in his position as head of the counseling ministry so they offered him an early retirement "buyout." He graciously accepted and stepped down. I hated to see him go but shortly afterward, he began to have health issues. I'm sure the timing on his retirement was part of God's divine plan, too.  

Al's now in heaven. How I miss him. I can still hear his soft, gentle voice asking how I'm doing. He always wanted to be sure his staff was okay and if they had any problems, he would always lend a listening ear before offering up a heartfelt prayer. There aren't many godly men like that around these days so if you have the blessing of knowing one, hold fast to them! 

These days are emotionally, physically, and spiritually difficult. As we watch those around us fall away from faith, true believers must always cling to the cross. It will never fail us because without the cross, we have no crucified and resurrected Christ. And without Christ, we have nothing.