55 The Power of a Fish Sandwich
Bob was somewhat of a nerdy fellow, although very good-hearted. He was also a creature of habit, as he wore the exact same kind of suit to work every day (he had 5 sets of the same suit in his closet). Bob worked as an accountant and had been earnestly praying that he could help bring people to Christ. Unfortunately, Bob felt that he just didn't have any special talents to do this. Bob couldn't sing like his friend Jamie, who could bring people to tears listening to her melodious voice. Bob didn't have any musical ability like Roger, who was blessed with the ability to play the violin, piano, and guitar. Bob wished he had public speaking skills like Joe, who could give speeches and lectures to audiences with poise and confidence. Bob was also very shy, unlike Angela, who seemed like she could make friends and witness to anyone. Nevertheless, Bob would keep praying every day, hoping God would be able to use him like He used his friends.
One day, Bob bought a fish sandwich combo at a local fast food restaurant during his lunch break from work, and he noticed a homeless guy leaning against the wall. What struck Bob about the homeless guy was that he seemed very young and that he did not look at the people walking to and from in front of him and ask for any money. In fact, the homeless guy seemed to be in very low spirits, although he had a very stoic facial expression.
Bob slowly approached the homeless guy. The homeless guy looked up at Bob, expressionless. Bob reached into his bag and gave the homeless guy his fish sandwich. Bob also gave the homeless guy some Bible literature that Bob always kept handy in his shirt pocket. The homeless guy accepted the sandwich and literature without saying anything. Bob stammered out the words, "keep hope alive, man" and walked towards his car.
Bob felt rather embarrassed and awkward. Keep hope alive? Could that be any more cliche and corny? Bob thought to himself. Also, does the homeless guy even like fish? What if he's allergic to it? Bob felt so stupid. Regardless, Bob prayed a short prayer for the homeless guy and then drove back to work.
Ten years pass and although Bob still wasn't able to bring anyone to Christ, he still dutifully prays the same prayer every day. One day, an evangelistic meeting rolled into town and Bob decided to attend with his friends. The series is being held by Pastor Jack, and upcoming preacher who seems to be full of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Jack seemed to come out of nowhere and electrify his audiences with his powerful sermons. Pastor Jack has only been preaching for a few years, but he has traveled the world and brought thousands of people to Christ. Bob really admired Pastor Jack and felt ashamed that he still wasn't able to lead anyone to Jesus as their personal Savior yet.
Bob went to the auditorium where the meeting was being held right after work. He was able to get a great seat in the second row right in front of the stage thanks to Roger, who saved him a seat. After the initial round of praise music, Pastor Jack marched onto the stage ready to share the Good News with the audience. As Pastor Jack was making his introduction, he noticed Bob sitting in the audience. Pastor Jack abruptly stopped and his gaze fixated upon Bob. "Hey, I know you!" exclaimed Pastor Jack.
Bob looked around him in confusion and suddenly became very uncomfortable and embarrassed when he realized that Pastor Jack was pointing right at him. "It must be you; you're even wearing the same suit!" Pastor Jack said excitedly. "Sir, please stand up and come onto the stage with me!"
As Bob's friends looked on in bemusement, Bob slowly got up and unsteadily walked onto the stage. Bob's heart was racing. What's going on? Did he do something wrong?
Pastor Jack put his arm around Bob and addressed the audience. "My friends, I had a full program planned for tonight, but God has blessed me with the chance to meet this man once again. You see, this is the man who saved my life!"
Bob turned to look at Pastor Jack in disbelief. When did he do something like that?!
Pastor Jack smiled at Bob and continued. "About ten years ago, I was at the lowest point in my life. My fiance ditched me at the altar. I had lost my job. My brother had committed suicide after a long bout with depression. Both my parents had died within a couple of months of each other. When the economy went bad, I lost my house in a foreclosure. The people who I had thought were my friends abandoned me when I turned to them for help and comfort. I ended up being homeless and sick of life and disgusted with mankind. WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE ALL THIS PAIN AND SUFFERING? DOES ANYONE EVEN CARE ABOUT ME? As I was leaning against a wall, wallowing in my own misery, this man comes along. Although I had never met him before and I did not tell him that I was hungry, he gave me a fish sandwich to eat. He gave me his own lunch without a second thought! More importantly, this man gave a little light and hope. He encouraged me to keep hope alive and he gave me some Bible literature. As I ate that sandwich, I read that pamphlet, I learned that there is a God who cares greatly about me and understands all my pan and suffering..."
As Pastor Jack gives his testimony to the audience, Bob starts to cry. He finally realized that God had actually answered his prayer ten years ago. Pastor Jack hugs Bob as the audience rises and applauds. Bob, wiping away his tears, stand proudly and smiles at the homeless guy he helped bring to Christ.
- Recommended reading: Matthew 25: 34-40
