“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” -Psalm 103 1-5

It is interesting how one may think that they are having a bad day until they see someone in less fortunate circumstances with a big smile on their face encouraging everyone around themselves.

Yesterday just happened to be one those days for me. I just drove 775 miles to start up a 5 date tour in Michigan and Ohio (Luke 19:10).

The next morning, I got up to write an article and then studied, only to speak on our national radio show (Mark 16:15).

Then, I had to drive across the city to get to St. Clair, Michigan to preach a 3-hour event.

I was tired though I was not bored.  I was tired though I was not complaining.  Then, I was approached by 100 people at a time after the presentation who wanted to speak to me. I was just blah.

I was finding myself going through somewhat of a routine and then out of nowhere comes this young man, in his 40s, strapped in a wheelchair who handed me a book that he wrote titled “From Tragedy to Triumph.”

This man was pushed up to me by his dad to tell me “thank you” for coming out and how impactful the presentation was to him.  As I looked at him, I said you should have been the one up there to give that presentation because it would have been even more impactful if you gave it.

The Lord instantly had my attention as did He have my heart quickened to how much He has blessed me.

Everything within me prior to that sweetheart of a man coming up to me went right out of an ungrateful heart.

This man, the least capable in the service, the one with physical abilities, sitting there with a glow about him, was ready to preach to the world and little did he know that is exactly what he was doing.

He was stuck in that chair and yet, he had such a joy and willingness to do what the more capables were not willing to do. What a lesson it is to learn, and that right quick.

All excuses of those who were around him became mute as they were now counting their blessing in looking to the Lord for their orders (John 14:21). Amen to my new author friend, Ryan Kraft.

Article posted with permission from Sons of Liberty Media.  Article by Bradlee Dean.