I was chatting with the office receptionist about my recent interview on the popular Christian tv program, The 700 Club, when a middle-aged woman walked in.
“My name is Darlene Jones, and I have a one o’clock appointment with Attorney James Henderson.” The receptionist promptly called the attorney’s assistant to inform her his client had arrived. Moments later the assistant arrived at the receptionist’s desk.
“I’m sorry, Ms. Jones, but Mr. Henderson is out of the office. He doesn’t have you scheduled on his calendar.”
Ms. Jones insisted she had an appointment with James Henderson and was told she would be meeting with him at one o’clock regarding her bankruptcy case. Mr. Henderson’s assistant said she would look up her case to see what she could find out.
While we were waiting, the three of us engaged in conversation. I shared with Darlene about my interview on The 700 Club, and how the Lord had dramatically transformed my life.
“My life is a mess,” she shrugged. “Besides filing for bankruptcy, my husband left, and my son is using drugs.” She told us she had been a Christian in her youth but drifted away from the Lord years earlier. “My grandfather and father were pastors.”
“Would you like me to pray with you,” I asked. “Sure,” she replied. I brought her into the nearby conference room and closed the door. We sat side by side as I grabbed her hands and prayed. Once we finished, we returned to the receptionist area.
“Ms. Jones, here is the name and address of the Attorney you were to meet with,” the receptionist said as she handed her a piece of paper. “His name is Steve Smith. He’s located a few blocks from here.”
“Steve Smith? How did I get James Henderson out of Steve Smith?”
“I don’t know, but they’re expecting you,” the receptionist said.
Darlene looked at me with a stunned expression. “How did I get this address?”
“God must have guided you here today,” I said as I looked into her tear-filled eyes.
She was visibly shaken and repeatedly asked how she could have been given the wrong name and address.
Darlene may have turned away from her relationship with the Lord, but he never forgot her. He guided her steps into our office to remind her about his love, willingness to forgive, and ability to transform lives. I often wonder what happened to her. I have a feeling that day was a pivotal moment in turning her life around.
The Lord is a gentleman. When he comes knocking, the decision to let him in is ours. Revelation 3:20 says: “Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in unto him and sup with him, and he with me.” When he came knocking on my door years ago, I didn’t answer for a while. I’m glad I eventually did.
Knock, knock.
Mary Therese Hutchinson 