(This story comes from Nelly Favis-Villafuertes, a columnist for the Manila Bulletin for many years. It illustrates how God might appear and answer prayers unexpectedly, which of course is the whole story of the Bible and of Jesus.)
A Leather-bound Cover
For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
1 SAMUEL 16:7 KJV
Dodie Gadient, a schoolteacher for thirteen years, decided to travel across America and see the sights she had taught about. Traveling alone in a truck, with her camper in tow, she launched out. One afternoon in California’s rush-hour traffic, the water pump on her truck blew. She was tired, exasperated, and scared that in spite of the traffic jam she caused, no one seemed interested in helping.
Leaning up against the trailer, she finally prayed, “Please God, send me an angel… preferably one with mechanical experience.” Within four minutes, a huge Harley drove up, ridden by an enormous man sporting long hair, a beard, and tattooed arms. With an incredible air of confidence, he jumped off and went to work on the truck. A little while later, he flagged down a larger truck, attached a tow chain to the frame of the disabled truck, and whisked the whole 56-foot rig off the freeway onto a side street, where he calmly continued to work on the water pump.
The intimated schoolteacher was too dumbfounded to talk – especially when she read the paralyzing words on the back of his leather jacket: “Hell’s Angels – California.” As he finished the task, she finally got up the courage to say, “Thanks so much,” and carry on a brief conversation.
Noticing her surprise at the whole ordeal, he looked her straight in the eye and mumbled, “Don’t judge a book by its cover. You may not know who you’re talking to.” With that he smiled, closed the hood of the truck, and straddled his Harley. With a wave, he was gone as fast as he had appeared.
God has a way of opening our eyes, expanding our perspective, and showing us His greatest treasures – people – if we will look beyond our prejudices and preconceived notions. Be open to Him showing you a few of His treasures today!
Reference: Coffee Break with God
Thought for the Day has been sent free to subscribers for the past 15 years. Read also Gentle Breeze appearing every Sunday, Manila Bulletin since May 5, 1986 (more than 32 years now) and Export Action Line appearing every Saturday in Manila Bulletin (Business Section) since October 25, 1989 (more than 29 years now)