Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Parable of the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18) (02/15/24)
-
TITLE: Follow the Leader | Previous Challenge Entry
By Naoma Bird
02/22/24 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
I was blessed several years ago to be part of a Medical Mission Team going to serve in Vietnam for two weeks. There were people on the team from all over
the United States three of whom were Vietnam veterans that were leading the Team. In preparation for the trip, we had each been given a list of things we would need to do before going and a list of what we needed to bring and what we could not bring to the destination.
I was to travel from New York to Chicago and then to LA International (LAX) where I would meet up with the rest of the team and go on to Bangkok and from there to Vietnam. I was anxious at the start as I had never flown alone before. When I got to Chicago my connecting flight to LAX was delayed two hours due to heavy winds and rain. All I could think was, “I am going to miss my flight to LA and then the whole itinerary may have to be changed.” My anxiety increased.
Finally arriving in LA and hearing the call for passengers to prepare to board my flight, again I said to myself, “Great, I still have to get through this long line, check in at the ticket counter, and check my bags through. I will never make it.”
Waiting in line I prayed for a miracle and she showed up, a young woman who singled me out and asked, “What flight are you booked for?” When I told her she simply said, “Come with me, or you won’t make your flight. I will have
them check your bags through and send them on the next plane.” We quickly got on her golf cart and off we went.
The gate for my flight was on the other side of the airport and when we arrived, I immediately saw a large group of people all wearing team T-shirts just like mine. I said, “Stop, those are those are my people.” As I approached them, I heard them say “That’s got to be her see, she’s wearing the T-shirt!” They
called out my name and I was welcomed into the team.
I don’t know how this woman knew I needed help but I still believe she was an angel sent to me by God. Whoever this woman was she had the authority to open the gate to the place where I needed to be. I was taken through the gate with the team. Even though I had never met any of the team members before I knew this was where I belonged and because I had the same identification and destination, they knew I was one of them and I was welcomed.
No matter what our destination is we’ll need some direction. To get direction
we must go to a reliable source who has made the journey before. That one
who knows the dangers and pitfalls to avoid along the way.
For us as Christians that one is Jesus Christ. He is the gate and the only one with the authority to open the gate to eternal life.
Jesus said: “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved (*Or kept safe). They will come in and go out and find pasture.” (John 10:9 NIV)
Therefore, Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. (Psalm 100:4 NIV)
*NIV study Bible alternative translation
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
