Paul, you share a story in your book, Instruments in the Redeemer's hands that has gotten people upset or at least confused.

So I'm about to read an abridged version of that in a second, but we've had questions like this from Navid who asked,

what happened with Sam and his friend? Was he able to effectively support him? Or straight up

perbuke from Angelica who wrote, I don't agree with your advice to this man. His need was immediate.

You can push him out of his comfort zone another time when things are calm, bad comforting

from you. So I'm going to ask you to provide a bit more context of the story, but first let me read the story for those listeners who are not familiar.

Sam called me in a panic. He was a member of the church I was pastoring many years ago, a godly man, a good husband and father, a hardworking employee, and a regular volunteer in the activities of our church.

One of Sam's friend, a brother in Christ, but not a member of

our church, had just called Sam also in a panic. Sam's friend was going through a very challenging

season in his marriage, and his wife had just asked him to leave. Sam, trying to support this couple,

contacted me, who was his pastor for help. He said, Paul, can I bring my friend to your

house so you can counsel him? Sam asked. Before Sam could say anything else, I replied,

isn't God's love amazing? God cares about this man and put one of his children, you, in his life.

God also cares about you, Sam, and has given you an opportunity to be an

instrument in his hands. The phone went quiet. So I continued, I am persuaded that God never

gets a wrong address, and he intends to use you in this man's life. Let me pray for you right now,

that God will fill your mind with his wisdom and fill your mouth with his words.

When I finished praying, Sam started to object, but Paul, I don't think I'm able.

I interrupted. I will continue to pray for you tonight, and I will call you in the morning.

I am so encouraged by your ministry to this man. I said goodbye and hung up the phone.

That's the end of the story. Paul, do you remember that story?

And can you justify or give us more context for your response to Sam in that moment?

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