Stories of the cross:
Introduction:
Have you ever wondered why we at LMA Woodworking we were so passionate about giving away our handcrafted crosses? Today, I want to share a remarkable story that not only changed the course of our business but also deepened our understanding of God's call. It all starts with a verse from Luke 9:23 and a mysterious encounter one November night in 2022.
The Night That Changed Everything:
In my last blog post, I shared the beginnings of our new design and business direction. If you haven't read it yet, I encourage you to click here for a story that might seem unbelievable at first. This encounter left me with more questions than answers, but it also showed me how God truly works in mysterious ways.
A Divine or Earthly Encounter?
Who was the man I picked up that night? An angel, Jesus, or a stranger through whom God was speaking? Many might find it hard to believe if I said it was Jesus. But I've come to understand that if Jesus wanted to teach me my calling through an unusual encounter, much like the Parables, He could. That night's conversation has since unfolded into meaningful revelations.
The Feeling of Divine Presence:
Why don't we ask names or questions when we feel we're in the presence of someone extraordinary? That night, I felt a deep sense of familiarity and safety with this stranger, as if I was with someone who had known me all my life. It's a feeling many of us have experienced – a conversation that feels divinely guided, leaving us wondering, "Who was that person?"
Called to God's Business:
Reflecting on that night and the subsequent events, I've realized that God was calling me to trust Him – not just with my life but with everything, including our savings of $6,000. This realization was just the beginning of a journey of trust and obedience.
Trusting God with Our All:
Before this encounter, Lori and I questioned if we could trust God with our entire savings. But post-encounter, I understood that trusting God meant surrendering all aspects of my life to Him. This lesson in trust was the first of many that God taught me through this mysterious man.
A Journey of Faith and Woodworking:
Our encounter led to a complete redesign of our business, from our logo to our products. It was a leap of faith, guided by the lessons learned from a stranger on the road.
Stay Tuned for Part 2:
In the next part of our story, I'll share how this journey of trust led to an incredible test of faith and the decision to give away 500 crosses. It's a testament to how God can work through us in unexpected ways.
Look out for Part 2 next week, where we delve deeper into our journey of faith, trust, and transformation.
God Bless,
Much Love and Happiness,
Rick & Lori
