The Faithful Steward:
A Channel of Grace
Life, especially in the
morning, was miserable for me for the past four decades, on account of
asthma, ever since its first attack when I was 12 years old. Not a day
would pass without my taking strong tablets, which would not only give
me temporary relief, but induce a whole lot of other problems. I had lost
all hope of a permanent cure, until my dear boss, persuaded me to make
a retreat at Divine Retreat Centre. I must confess that my boss had been
putting pressure on me to make a retreat, but somehow I managed to hoodwink
him ! Finally in the 3rd week of April 1998, he was determined to see and
my wife go to Potta. My wife no doubt, was delighted, but not I. I had
heard from others that I would have to give up my night 'appetizer'. The
thought of giving it up would disturb me and this was one of the reasons
I had deferred making the retreat. Somehow, on the continuous persuasion
of my boss, I half-heartedly agreed to make the retreat in April 1998,
only to silence him. On 18th April I slowly revealed to my boss about my
inability to make the retreat on account of many difficulties. Actually
my intention was to somehow distract his attention. But this time I could
not suceed and he was smarter. He told me that he would come home and pick
us up and drop us at the railway station. He paid our ticket money both
to and fro, the registration fees etc. He was at the railway station till
the train left. I could not even jump out of the train since my wife was
with me!
Somehow we reached DRC.
It was fun the first few hours. But the night temptation was strong. Since
others were there I managed to overcome it on the 1st day. But the 2nd
day was terrible. The gates were locked. Nobody had brought stock inside.
The 3rd day was worse. Preaching, teaching, praising and no drinking.
Little did I know that my
God had a plan for me. I was wondering why my boss was so determined to
see me make the retreat. During the 3rd day itself, the good God began
revealing himself to me. My thoughts on other things were diverted and
my attention was channelised only to him. I made a good confession. I prayed
for a physical healing and my God was pleased to show mercy on me an unworthy
sinner. I felt a deep sense of healing in me. My mind was filled with peace
and joy. I was a different person. My asthma, that bugged me for over four
decades, left me for good.
On returning from DRC, our
train was late by over 2 1/2 hours. We reached at 11.30p m We were worried
as to how we could reach home.But as the Lord works wonders, my boss was
there waiting at the railway station to pick us up.
I am now honestly lost for
words to thank my Lord for his mercies shown to me. The urge for alcohol
has vanished. Thank you and Praise you LORD JESUS !
Marcel Lobo,
Advocate's
Clerk,
Kadri, Mangalore