|
My travel companion,
Ginny, and I were having the time of our lives, backpacking throughout
Western Europe and meeting all sorts of interesting people from around
the world.
When we arrived in Oslo, Norway, I marveled at the sight of so many
blond and blue-eyed Scandinavians. We strolled past charming cafés
and inviting shops in the Land of the Midnight Sun where daylight stretched
well into the summer nights.
A friendly Norwegian couple at the rail station lugged our heavy backpacks,
bought us ice cream, and kissed us good-bye as we departed for our next
destination. From Oslo, we traveled along the southwestern coast to
Stavanger.
My American friend John and his Norwegian wife, Lindis, accommodated
us at their home for three days. They took us sightseeing all over this
charming port city—a blend of an old town and a modern city, set
against a backdrop of towering mountains that plunge dramatically into
deep fjords.
On a pastel, blue-sky day, they took Ginny and me to a picnic at a nearby
park. While we were eating lunch, a loud, cantankerous drunk staggered
toward us. “Arrgh!” he growled, kicking tin cans into the
air. With a beet-red face and clenched fists, he appeared ready to take
a swing at anyone who looked at him. My heart quickened.
The drunken man drew closer to us, and his shouts grew louder and louder.
John walked over to him and looked him straight in the eyes with compassion.
My knees jellied. What’s John doing?
John
mumbled something to him. Almost instantly, the man’s belligerent
expression softened. He waddled backward, humbly nodded to each person
and shuffled away.
“Lindis, what did John say?”
“He said, ‘Jesus elsker deg, which means Jesus loves you in
Norwegian.’ ”
The power of those three little words astounded me.
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which
is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow
(Philippians 2:9–10 NKJV)
~ Gail Kaku
If you enjoy stories like this, order the
Popcorn
Miracles® book.
|
