I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do…. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why even the hairs of you hear are numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:4-7)
No matter what’s happening in your life, God assures you that he knows and is in charge of every detail. That truth was dramatically proven to a woman named Ashley Smith one dark night.
Ashley’s drug-damaged life was spiraling when Brian Nichols broke into her apartment. He had just killed four people and was running from the police.
As Brian hid, waiting for the inevitable shootout that would end his life, these two desperate people “chanced” into a conversation about why each was there. They miraculously concluded that God must have a purpose for them.
God’s truth in the midst of the crisis led to Brian turning himself over to police and to Ashley turning away from drugs.
Ashley now believes that God caused her and Brian’s paths to intersect. Their encounter not only turned her away from drugs but back to God. Then, God used Ashley to turn Brian to Christ, enabling his reception of eternal forgiveness despite the extreme measure of his sin. Prison will not bar him from heaven.
Ashley and Brian remind us that God can use anyone, anytime, anywhere to deliver the limitless measures of his grace! Our circumstances are never too small, or too bad, or too desperate for God.
Prayer:
Lord, please help me to believe that you have all the details and my care in your loving control, so that I will trust you and turn to you no matter what.