NO COINCIDENCES

 

(As told by Tony Salerno)

 

            How often has your dinner been interrupted by the phone ringing? Unless you have Caller ID, you may pick up the phone to hear the typical, “Good evening Mr. Smythi—your name is Smith— I am calling to offer you the deal of a lifetime.” I don’t know about you—but there have been times that I thought I’d be polite and listen to the whole schpeel, because I remember how hard it was to “cold call” when doing sales. Come on—calling at 9:30 at night on a Sunday evening really pushes my buttons…

 

Just a word to the wise… if you try to call me and your number comes up “Unavailable” on Caller ID, you will get my machine…

 

            I remember hearing one comedian handle a telemarketer’s call like this:  After first correcting the pronouncement of his name— “You know what? You really caught me at a bad time. No, I’m sorry I can’t talk right now. But I tell you what—give me your home telephone number and I’ll call you at home at all hours of the night. How’s that sound? Oh, not good? Well, now you know how I feel.”

 

            So, maybe you’re thinking, “Is this story about how to handle testy telemarketers?” No. It is not. It’s about how, in God’s kingdom—in His perfect will—there are NO COINCIDENCES.

 

***

 

Now, like I said, I usually don’t pick up “unavailable” calls, but was expecting to hear from James in Israel soon, so I answered this one. I had gotten a call from a telephone company offering me an unlimited package. I talked with her for a good ten minutes. Although I was on my way out the door for a doctor’s appointment, she had been pleasant, so I tried to be friendly. Our conversation concluded and I said good-bye. Just as I pressed the “Off” button on the phone, I felt a tug at my heart. “Oh! I should’ve talked to her about You, Lord!” but it was too late. I made a mental note to be open next time. It wasn’t that the Lord had prompted me during the call, but it was interesting that I’d even thought about it.

 

***

 

            Later that evening I received a church prayer chain and called to pass it on to the next person in line—Tony Salerno. I shared the request and then Tony said, “Hey, you’ll appreciate this! I have something really neat to tell you.” I don’t know about you—but I love when a Christian says that, because it’s usually a glorious recounting of what the Lord has done, or is doing.

 

            “Well,” Tony said, “I got a call from NICOR Customer Service. I was talking to this woman for a moment, when she seemed to get choked up. She said that she was sorry and would have to call me back. She was clearly upset.” “Hey, I’m a pastor. Maybe I can help.”

 

The woman, whose name was Lindsey, started to cry as she told him how she had recently lost two people very close to her. Tony listened as she shared her heart. Feeling God’s familiar gentle push to share the only true comfort, Tony laid out the whole gospel message to the NICOR caller. She listened intently, as Tony engaged her with a few questions about her own mortality. She was a churchgoing catholic. She had been all her life—but she was empty, hurting—and scared.

 

After laying out God’s plan of salvation, Tony felt prompted to ask if she understood what he’d said. She affirmed that she did. “If you believe it—then the next step is to personally receive it. How? By asking Jesus to come into your life to be your personal Lord and Savior.” Lindsey got quiet for a moment. Secretly Tony began to question whether he’d helped her to count the cost enough, or had pushed her too quickly. Then she softly whispered that her boss had just walked up.

 

“So do you believe what I said?” he asked. “Yes, I do” she quietly responded. “Then all you need to do now is pray this simple prayer. You don’t need to say it out loud. But in the quietness of your own heart, speak these words to the Lord an’ believe them in your heart, and Jesus will come into your life like never before. Are you ready to do that?”  “Yes, I am.”

 

Tony prayed the sinner’s prayer with his hurting caller listening as she responded softly with “um-hmm’s”. When the prayer was over she said, “Amen.” Lindsey let out a contented sigh over the receiver. Tony did too, because he knew that he’d given this hurting woman the One Who is our only source of comfort and peace.  And God was there to welcome this woman into His kingdom family. To wrap His arms of love around her.

 

As it turned out, Lindsey was calling all the way from Nova Scotia, Canada—some 1,000 miles away… Tony reminded her that she had his number and could call any time, and assured her that he’d be praying for her. Through the expanse of miles between them, and vast distance of heaven, God put these two together, for such a time as this.  For you see—with God—there are no coincidences. And His timing is perfect. And He’ll allow us to be a part of kingdom harvest if we are only available, and willing to follow His leading…

 

Let’s praise His name!! And pray for Lindsey.

 

(here’s a personal challenge—the next time a telemarketer calls you—if the Spirit tugs at your heart—use the opportunity. you never know what the Lord may want to do!)

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