A New Day by Nancy Hopper Read Free Book Online

lamented.
         “ But you know, the worship this morning set me free.” he almost whispered.  “All the objections are gone.  All the  barriers are suddenly non-existent.  All I did was change my attitude, and let the Lord have His way.” he said forcefully. 
         “ When He moves in a new way I have never seen before, and He says, ‘Gary, you’re going to have to trust me’, I realize how little my faith and trust are, and how much I still rely on my own capabilities.” 
         “ People, we’ve got to begin to really see in the spirit, not after the flesh.  We have to rely on God.  Instead of wiggling around on the hook and asking the Lord if there’s not some other way, we need to let Him just be God!”
          “ I always pray for His perfect will.  Then, when He moves, I so often immediately don’t want what He just did!  It wasn’t what I expected, it wasn’t what I’m comfortable with!  I just can’t understand some of the things God does.”
         “ But, the worship made me realize it really doesn’t matter whether or not I can see from the beginning to the end of God’s plan for my life.  It would be futile for me to try.  And, knowing this,  I entered into the worship and it became so easy to accept what the Lord has given me to do today.  I just walked through that door, and said ‘yes, Lord’.  Whatever You want, Lord, I am willing.”
         There was a roar of assent and applause all around Tasha, as Gary got on his knees before God.  The people were simply going wild.  At first, Tasha was a little embarrassed that this big, strapping man was on his knees in church.  Then she looked at Deb, and saw tears of joy in her eyes. 
         She turned again to look at Gary through Deb’s eyes, and saw the humility of spirit; the tenderness of heart; the obedience to a higher power evident in the stance he was taking.  He was strong, yet weak; humble, and yet unashamed. 
         Tasha just stared at him with stricken eyes.  For the first time in her life, she thought that just perhaps, there was really a God.
     
         Tasha was at a loss among the horde of people surrounding her after the service was over.  Deb stood faithfully by her side, introducing people to her, reassuring her with little pats and hugs. 
         Tasha stiffened instinctively when she saw Gary approaching them.  Her eyes narrowed as she watched a beautiful woman intercept him.  The lady slipped slim arms around Gary’s waist and put her cheek against his. 
         Gary grinned, and hugged her tightly for a moment before releasing her, and picking up the child holding onto the woman’s skirts.  The look in his eyes for the tow-headed toddler made Tasha’s heart constrict. 
         After a moment, Gary gave the child back to the woman and said goodbye.  Marietta, she heard him call the woman.  And the child’s name was Dodi.  Now, he was heading toward she and Deb again.
         Tasha glared pointedly at him, to let him know she wasn’t pleased with his preaching. 
         He met her gaze humorously, a glint of answering challenge in his blue eyes.  “Hello, ladies.  Ready to go?” he asked cheerfully.  Tasha froze as his arms slipped around their backs.
         “ Sure, Gary.  I didn’t know you were taking us home.”  Deb answered happily. 
         “ I have a better idea.  Let’s go to the beach this afternoon.”  he suggested.
         “ Oh, Gary, I can’t.  I promised Doug that I’d do some things he couldn’t get to, before he left.  But take Tasha, and have a great time.”
         Tasha opened her mouth to protest, but they were already out the door, and Gary was opening a van door and gently but firmly pushing her up into a seat.
         “ Okay.”  he answered Deb on their behalf.  “Tell Ruth we won’t be back for dinner.”
         “ Will do.  Bye, bye.”  Deb called gaily.
         Tasha