Trust God WILL Teach You

I was a new believer in Christ, only about a year strong, and at this time I had just began to walk into a deeper understanding of the things of God, as He held my hand along the way.

It had only been two days into my fast. The Lord knew I had limited information about fasting. He knew I did it only because believers were commanded to do so and didn’t understand the purpose behind it. But He was sure to teach me, to give me the understanding I needed and it all stemmed from an encounter with a man named James Brown.

I was in the process of moving and I carried a few things in my car. I believe that’s what caused my tire to become low. I pulled into the nearest gas station to get air. I didn’t know how to put air into the tire at that time, so I looked for help.

A beat up pick-up truck, with an older friendly looking gentleman inside, drove up beside me. He was about my height 5’5, very skinny, and wore pair of old dirty blue jean overalls. He got out the truck and asked me, not knowing that I needed help but I guess my face said it all, “Do you need help?” Of course I said, “Yes,” and we began to talk. (This is not exactly how the conversation went, but I wanted to give the gist of our conversation in dialogue format as I recall it)

I thanked him for offering to help me and he said, “My pleasure. My name is James Brown.”

At the time I was puzzled as to why he felt the need to give me his first and last name. I thought maybe he wanted me to know he was named after someone famous. However, later on the Lord gave me understanding of this small detail and I will be sure to share with you the significance of his name towards the end.

What he said next completely placed me in a state of shock. He asked me, “What are you fasting for?” First off, how did this man know I was fasting? I didn’t tell him. We just met and if anyone knows me I don’t divulge my personal business that easily. Again, I can’t remember word for word what was said in our conversation, but it went along the lines of this:

“How did you know I was fasting?” I asked. “I just know,” he said.

“I’m not sure why I am fasting. But I know I need to for spiritual enlightenment,” I   said.

“Can I tell you of a time when I fasted,” he asked. I said, “Yes,” and he began to expound on his fasting experience.

“Once I had a girlfriend, I was so in love with her I asked her to marry me. She said no    and broke up with me. It hurt me. I stopped eating and stayed in the house for about 3 months; I didn’t have the desire to go anywhere. I cried all the time while only thinking of her. My heart hurt emotionally and in the physical. I couldn’t seem to shake my love for her as well as the hurt. I didn’t go to church during this time but something within me knew I needed to fast and pray.”

By this time he had finished putting the air in my tire and I stood there listening intently engrossed in his fasting experience. He continued.

“Knowing I needed to fast, I began a fast, however I didn’t know when to stop. The third day of my fast I had a dream and the Lord spoke to me to continue my fast until I received ‘power’. When I awoke I didn’t understand what He meant by power but I was sure I would know when I received it. I continued my fast and I found myself getting stronger and stronger until I no longer thought of her in tears. I had recovered from my heartache. I was healed – I had received ‘power’. “

We commenced to prolong our conversation with me asking questions all the while obtaining understanding and enlightenment about fasting. We said our goodbyes, and he politely got into his truck and drove off. He never once went inside the store or got gas.

This encounter bewildered my mind for some time. It wasn’t until my knowledge of the scripture expanded that I realized what happened. I had experienced a divine appointment. The Lord knew my level of understanding was limited at that time, as it relates to fasting, so He taught me. Not only did He teach me through that divine appointment but on other occasions in various settings as well. That’s why I always tell people, if you trust God, He will make sure you receive His Word and HIS correct understanding.

You can’t be tainted when you trust Him because you look to Him for your understanding and He is faithful.

I also received insight as to why this old man gave me his entire name. That was simply one of the details the Lord used to make it easier for me to recollect this experience. He knew I wasn’t destined to share this experience with you until now, 14 years later, so along with other details that I didn’t discuss, one being his sleepy eyes; enabled me to recollect this experience with clarity by way of symbolism. I think He did an awesome job with specific symbolism because I remember not only the man, who by the way I believe was an angel, but I remember the LESSON with precision.

Trust God to provide you with the proper interpretation of His Word. It all begins with faith and relationship. He IS the Almighty God whose hand is not shortened: the God of all, YAHWEH. With that being said, have faith that He is more than powerful AND able to provide you with the understanding needed as you journey through your life walking with  Him.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Hebrews 13:2

I thought, ‘Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.  But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty that gives them understanding. Job 32:7-8