God can use your enemies

Sister Alvear · #1 02-26-2014, 10:00 AM

Brother Jose, Sister Rosa, I and a few others were making visits in the backlands of the state of Bahia, in their ole, dilapidated, rusty station wagon. W had long left the main road and was on a dirt trail, when the car sputtered and stopped. It had been hours since we had passed anything beast or human. So, it was not likely for anyone to show up to help. So, Brother Jose got his tools out worked and worked on the car.
We were hot, thirsty, and hungry bunch. The kids were crying. Since the car did not have any windows, and a part of the floor was rusted out, we were covered with red dust from head to foot.
Finally, Brother Jose walked over to me and said, “It looks like we are going to spend the night here.” I breathed a silent prayer. I had slept in worse places, but those poor, crying, hungry, thirsty children would not understand.
All of a sudden, we saw a car coming toward us at a reckless speed for that kind of trail. The man came to a sudden stop, and gave us a dirty look, but he did ask what was our trouble. As Jose explained, “Our friend” seemed to be sizing us up.
He walked over to his car and got out a few other types of tools that Jose did not have. “Who are you all, anyway?” He said with a gruff voice. “We are believers,” Brother Jose replied. “Believers, I hate believers.” I shuddered. “What kind of believers are you all, anyway?” He asked. “The noisy kind.” Answered Brother Jose. “Just the kind I hate the most.” As he told of his hate for us and all believers, he continued fixing our car as if moved upon by some irresistible force. Oh! Thank God that even the waves and the sea obey His command. The God-hating mechanic was compelled to help us.
Finally, he said, “Try to start it now.” Brother Jose humbly obeyed and the starter turned over and the motor roared. We started climbing in, ready to go. The last thing he said as he got back in his car was, “I hate you all.” And he took off. God can even use enemies of the Gospel to promote His cause.

The tender light of home behind,
Dark heathen gloom before,
The servants of the Lord go forth,
To many foreign shore.
But the true light that cannot pale,
Shines on them from above,
A Light Divine shall not fail,
The smile of Him they love.