What’s Your Story, John?

Kristine Cucinotta Murphy

I have been spending some time talking to the campground host while we have been blessed to stay here for the week. Our day to leave has arrived, not knowing where we are going or what we are doing.

During this time, I have been sharing our situation and he has been a great encouragement with positive treats to me to pass on to mine husband the hope and faith.

Today, I asked him his story and a beautiful one of faith and God’s merciful grace it is!“

His face lit up, gray haired man in overalls and a work coat. He was wearing boots and roughed up hands. All of his hard work in every wrinkle on his face and hands. He was out feeding the goats, lit up a light with joy as his eyes began to sparkle to tell his testimony.

He was a grader for many years, traveling all over in his camper to lay down the ground before people built their homes. 11 years ago he was led here at this campground for his next job and assignment. 3 years in, the housing market took a plunge, he found himself out of a job. Not long after that, this county ruled that no campgrounds are allowed to offer long term stays. He said 7 other campers were here and all of them had to leave. Before leaving, he put in for early retirement and had no idea where he was going next, nor what he was going to do to upkeep his camper and afford to live. So, he stopped and prayed for direction before he pulled out. Hitched up to pull out in his unknown direction, the owners of this campground knew of his early retirement and situation and called him. They said, ” John, we know you need a job and we are giving you one. We do not desire to live on the property of the campground at all and we need someone there 24/7. So, welcome home and congratulations on your new job as permanent camp host.” Excitedly relieved and graciously thankful John didn’t hesitate to accept and thank them.

That’s the grace of God from the prayer warriors trust and faith in God, that he is never late and always right on time.

And John again encouraged me with “Stay positive! God will do the same for you, keep the faith and keep praying.”

“Oh I will John! I will! And I am so happy God took care of you, truly you are blessed! And a blessing to me!” I said

In ending our time of fellowship, he said ” Now you two go get em kid, God has you!”

“Agree! Take care John, it was a pleasure meeting you!” I closed with as we parted.

And yet, John in his many years skilled in his worldly job being a grader, spiritually he is still a grader, laying down the ground for us in his testimony before we get to our home.

Habakkuk 2:3 – For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Psalms 27:14 – Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Isaiah 40:31 – But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Ecclesiastes 8:6 – Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Proverbs 3:5 – Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Galatians 6:9 – And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.