The youth pastor of our large church asked me to visit his ministry and share how his teens could pray for my upcoming mission trip to Ukraine.

Sounded easy enough.

I hadn’t spoken to teens before but figured I could come up with something. After all it was only going to be for two or three minutes.

What could go wrong?

So, on a hot Saturday afternoon I rode an old Cub Cadet across my dusty lawn trying to come up with the words to say. Frustrated, I finally asked God what I should say.

“Steve, you’re not going to say anything; you’re going to sing”.

I was shocked.

“Lord, hundreds of teens are going to be in that room. You know I can’t sing! What are you doing? Are you sure?”

He didn’t budge.

But did give me two short songs.

Then the conversation was over.

Driving to church I mentioned to Lorie what I was going to do and invited her to come.

“I think I’ll just go to the main service”.

I didn’t blame her; I wanted to join her!

Knowing nothing about my plans, the youth pastor felt God leading him to use songs the entire service to challenge the young people to a bolder faith. It was stirring.

Sitting stunned in the back of that crowded chapel my world was in slow motion.

He ended his challenge to the youth with intensity in an unforgettable way:

“Would you stand alone and sing for Jesus? Now, before we dismiss, my friend Steve is going to say a few words about how we can pray for his upcoming mission trip.”

 I stood, walked to the front and said,

“Yesterday I felt like the Lord told me not to say anything and gave me two songs to sing. Now I know why.”

And sing alone, I did.

Then I stared speechless at that pastor.

Many in that room were clueless, others tried to cover their ears, but the youth pastor and I cried.

God had made an impression on a naïve two-and-a-half-year-old baby Christian that He wanted me to remember.

He knew there would be severe tests of my faith and profound moments where I’d question if God was real or knew what He was doing.

He also knew there’d be no conversation.

Without saying a word He shines a light on an indelible mark He created for me in 1997 knowing I would need reminding that there are no coincidences, God is real and knows what He’s doing; or when I feel like this guy in Matt. 11:1-6.

What God gives you in the daylight you’ll need later when it feels dark. He makes no mistakes and has a song cued for your night season too (Psalm 42:8).

So, here’s my question for you:

What memory has God created to remind you that He’s real, there are no coincidences and knows what He’s doing? I’d love to hear your story. Reply and share it; I read every response.

I’m attempting to double the reach of this newsletter. You can help. Can you forward this to a few people you care about-and encourage them to subscribe?

🧔🏻‍♂️For the men in your life. This is a good place for men to open up. I’ve been a part of this ministry to men for a while and highly recommend it.

🛐 How can I pray for you? Please let me know here.

📖 ICYMI. Monday 8pm (eastern) online Bible study & fellowship. Just click here a little before 8pm on Monday and you’re in!

📫 Forward this email to friends & family and encourage them to subscribe

♥️ Follow on Instagram | Facebook | Threads for more biblical encouragement.

👊🏼 Quick Favor? I’m attempting to double the reach of this newsletter. You can help. Can you forward this to a few people you care about-and encourage them to subscribe? Would you also help me spread the word by sharing BV2U to your social media? Thank you.

💬💡Feedback? Let me know how to improve BV2U or how it impacted you. Reply to this email or use [email protected]. I read every email.