A Parisian alley during the day.
A cold unpleasant night greeted my arrival in suburban Paris. Walking up the steps from the deserted dimly lit underground Paris Métro to the street above, I re-read directions for ‘La Rue’ where I had booked a cheap overnight ‘pensionne’ (like a BnB), to stay. It was late as a thick blanket of damp fog settled, cloaking gloomy streets with an eery lack of visibility.
Paris. Photo: Chris Molloy, pexels.com
Lonely shops were shrouded in darkness with nobody around to help clarify directions. As I entering an isolated neighbourhood, the fog increased along with foreboding anxiety and a panicky sense of unease I felt from being lost. Occasional streetlamps diffused little light or re-assurance as unwelcome thoughts entered of dossing down in a doorway until daybreak.
Murray Smith
Clutching a bag and the crumpled address of my destination, I felt chilling fear rise. With no idea where I was, or what to do… I prayed. It wasn’t a fancy or eloquent prayer, more a desperate cry from within – for God’s help.
Walking down narrow foot-paving alongside an old damp brick building is etched vividly in my memory. The voice of a man speaking behind me in English with a French accent startled me. Out of the misty gloom, he came alongside, pointing – he mentioned the address I carried in my hand, stating I would be there quite soon by following several simple directions he provided. I had no opportunity to say anything. He disappeared into the fog, just as he’d appeared from out of it.
I have frequently pondered this strange event. I have no doubt that God intervened in my distress. He responded to my prayer… perhaps he had sent an angel to speak to me. I can’t say emphatically, but certainly supernatural insight had revealed where to find the address that I sought to reach.
I believe that God is nearer than we imagine…not aloof nor distant or remote as many believe. What matters to you – matters to Him as well. The God who created the Universe waits for us to draw near to Him.
You can come as you are with your doubts, failures, and misgivings, allowing Him access to your life…you couldn’t ever do enough to improve yourself or make yourself more acceptable to Him – in humility presenting yourself there’s mercy, acceptance and forgiveness.
I spoke recently with a man deeply conscious of personal failure who harboured a lingering shame of disqualification. His experiences from a very religious background had been damaging. He’d incorrectly surmised, “It’s too late for me now…”
Consider this… two criminals were crucified alongside Christ. One was belligerent, angry, aggressive and mocking. The other, contrite and mindful of Christ’s righteous innocence, accepted responsibility for his sinful choices. Hanging there, he cried out, “Lord, please remember me!”
Jesus assured that repentant thief his cry was heard… a criminal’s presence mattered enough to the Lord to forgive him and grant him eternal life. Why? Because leaving no-one out and us being present, matters to God.
A Parisian alley during the day. Photo: Anna Shvets, pexels.com
