You know the person – he or she is always positive, always encouraging, & forever persistent. There is an air of something about them that surrounds their spirit wherever they go. Initially, you couldn’t put your finger on what it was that made he or she stand out and make you feel seen, heard and known. In a word – LOVED. But looking back, you know that one person in your life is the one who was nudged by the Holy Spirit to reach out to you and lead you to the cross.

For me, that one person is my husband, Doug.

I often wonder where I’d be right now if it weren’t for Doug coming into my life. I think back to the early years of our relationship and how completely different I was back then compared to how I am today. I was so lost, so blind and confused, idly wandering with no discernment or direction.

I put Doug through an emotional rollercoaster so many times that I would have jumped off the track after the first loop. Still, God had another plan for Doug and I and He used the Holy Spirit to work through both of us in a way that only He can. I am eternally grateful He did!

I believe God has a plan and purpose for each person He creates and therefore believe in God’s will, His intervening power in our lives and His guidance on the path He designed for us. I believe God chose Doug and I to be together. I have to. If our relationship happened by chance, of our own selfish desire or without any influence from the Lord then it would have ended years ago.

But because of God, His beautiful grace and Doug, His faithful and obedient servant, I am redeemed! Because of that one person in my life, I have been rerouted onto the path God intended for me all along. And that path is far from its final destination.

All of this comes to the forefront of my mind because today is Doug’s birthday. I celebrate the day of his birth because without him, who knows if I would have become a follower of Christ. I know my husband has been brought into this world for many reasons – several of which I have been blessed to witness. Saving me is simply one of the many things God has planned for him. The takeaway, though, is to always make the most of your time because you never know who may be listening to you or watching you. You have power and influence to make an impact on someone’s life…for better, or for worse.

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” 

Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)

Even if Doug and I had never gotten married, I think the Truth he spoke to me would have motivated me to consider learning more about Christianity (in general) and Jesus (in particular). Looking back, I see the vitality of Christian obedience and the importance of “fishing for men” (Matthew 4:19). Especially in today’s world…I know I say this a lot, but if you claim to follow Christ then you possess the “life raft” needed to save those who are drowning. The least you can do for someone is to leave them wanting more or desiring answers to life’s many challenging questions, which is exactly what happened to me. God truly does work in mysterious ways so be alert and consider the opportunities around you.

Whether or not you have a person who brought you to Christ, I pray you’ll consider becoming “that person” for someone. To be that one person who makes the difference between someone’s life of righteousness or their life of hopelessness. You’ll never regret sharing the gospel, shining a light in a dark world or unapologetically living for Christ.