Encompassing experiences and issues currently facing our community. The stories found in this book have not always been enjoyable ones to experience. While each one is purposed to bring encouragement and hope, it has often been through darkness and discouragement that the inspiration and lessons for each one has come. It is through these experiences I have learned and realized that even in darknes
s, a light still shines…
For over twenty-five years, I have served at the Topeka Rescue Mission. During this time, I have faced challenges more immense than I ever imagined possible. Many times, the struggles amidst the lives of the broken individuals who have come through the doors of the Mission experiencing homelessness, addiction and illness have been more overwhelming than I can adequately describe. Yet today, I am witnessing the same levels of hopelessness and despair emerging through all walks of life to a staggering degree. Broken relationships, financial uncertainties, and seemingly impossible situations are plaguing multitudes, tempting them to give up on life. That is the reason for this book. My prayer in sharing these writings is that you would be encouraged and reminded that, whatever you face in life, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow. While the stories shared provide a snapshot into some of the events that have occurred in my life since arriving at the Mission, the real purpose in writing them is to record some of the lessons I have learned and truths that have been revealed in some of my darkest and most challenging moments. When the Israelites had finally been released from the grips of Pharaoh, they quickly encountered another challenge. The vastness of the Red Sea was before them. The situation looked impossible and there seemed to be no way to continue walking forward without tasting death. In their fear and uncertainty God spoke, “Don’t be afraid… be still… and move forward” (Exodus 14:13). My life and the experiences I have faced have been a lot like the Israelites. I have been challenged, gained victory, and then almost immediately faced another impossible circumstance which prevented me from moving forward. I have been left numerous times with the same question as they, “What can I do when I have nowhere to turn?” I have been unable to go backwards, yet seemingly blocked from moving ahead. It has been in those times when I have been reminded that, regardless of what is before or behind me, I can trust God with my life and still find the strength to go on. I am not, and will never claim to be, a perfected man of faith. While I have tried to pursue such a life, I have been guilty of faltering when faced with life’s challenges. While others might view my faith to be great, it is really through the faith of others that I have learned to be strong. There are numerous lives I have had the privilege of encountering through the years which have been invaluable in my growth and walk with God. Through their struggles, sacrifice, dedication and love for God, my eyes have been opened and my horizons widened. Whether it has been a homeless individual coming to the Mission for shelter, a donor giving a timely gift, or an unexpected word of encouragement from someone I knew, each encounter has left a significant imprint on my life and been used by God to strengthen my resolve and help me to continue pressing forward, even when times have been rough. While it would be impossible to capture the fullness of what has been revealed to me over these years, this book is my attempt to give an inside view of how each of us can learn, grow and experience more out of each and every day. It is divided into 52 short chapters and can serve as a weekly devotional to last throughout the year, or can be used as a method of inspiration when a breath of encouragement is needed. While the stories are recorded chronologically, they do not have to be read in any particular order. For your convenience, a subject index is listed at the back of this book. Each story begins with a scripture and ends with an application and prayer. The prayers are short and simplistic for the purpose of guiding your conversations with God. While they touch on key components of the story and application read, they are not meant to serve as the sole communication between you and the Lord, but rather a catalyst for deeper prayer and conversation once the story ends. You will notice that this book is not a literary work of excellence. While sentences may seem unstructured or lacking in technique, I pray that you will be able to see past the imperfections and into my heart. My aim was to share as though you and I were conversing, rather than focusing on formal grammatical detail. Even though some of the names throughout this book have been changed to protect the privacy of persons involved, all stories are true records of factual events that have occurred in my life as I remember them. The challenges surrounding each one have been immense; yet, I still stand amazed at the way God can bring treasure and light out of the darkness faced. As I share excerpts from various encounters, I pray that you too can see the hope of light for the path you face. While your life is unique and it sometimes feels as though there is no way out from overwhelming circumstances you face, there really is always hope. There is not one situation you can experience that will ever be too difficult for God. As His Word says, the darkness can never fully extinguish the light that eternally shines (John 1:5, paraphrased). Whether you are a Christian or not, if you have ever faced discouragement, hopelessness or fear, I pray this book helps you. It is not an attempt to convert you into a particular religion; it is an attempt to offer you hope for your future and purpose for your life. May you find that and more as you embark on the journey before you. My prayer for you as you begin…
Dear Lord,
You know every detail of the person’s life that holds this book in their hands. You know the trials and discouragement they face, and the answers they seek. I pray as they read through the pages before them that they will experience their true hope and purpose for living. May all hopelessness flee as they open up their hearts to receive from You. In Jesus’ Name.
