Five Words That Changed My Life

I am writing this today to encourage anyone who is going through a difficult time in your life. I hope that this story will bring you a laugh as well as a new source of hope. The man pictured above is my dad with his Fiat. In the mid-90's, my dad went to the hospital because he thought he was having heart problems. They discovered that his heart was fine but he had cancer developing in his lungs.

During this time, I was working in a music store in Bowling Green with Kent Holland, one of the most amazing musicians that I have ever met. In addition to music, Kent also had been involved in ministry and he was very supportive of me during that time. One day when Kent noticed that I was really concerned about my dad, he said something that changed my life. With an encouraging smile, he said "Bruce, you know what the Bible says." When I asked him which part, I was expecting something really big but he just said these five words. "Esau was a hairy man." I couldn't help it. I started laughing and asked him "Of all the possible Bible verses that you could have mentioned to help me, you tell me "Esau was a hairy man"? Seriously? How is that supposed to help me?" And here is how that conversation continued...

Kent: "Do you believe that Esau was a hairy man?"

Me: "Yeah but why does that matter?"

Kent: "Why do you believe that Esau was a hairy man?"

Me: "Because the Bible says so."

Kent: "Then if you can believe something so trivial such as Esau was a hairy man, then

surely you can believe all of the Bible verses that remind us how faithful God is and

how much He love you."

It was at that very moment it hit. An incredibly powerful lesson changed my focus. Sure I still had days of concern and sorrow but when those days would come, I would stop for a moment and remind myself that Esau was a hairy man. Kent pointed me to the great encouragement found in God's Word such as...

• Romans 8:28 (ESV) — 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

• Romans 8:31 (ESV) — 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

• Romans 10:17 (ESV) — 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

• Philippians 4:4–7 (ESV) — 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

• Philippians 4:19 (ESV) — 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

• Hebrews 10:23 (ESV) — 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

• 1 John 4:4 (ESV) — 4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

There are so many more that I could give you but you get the point. God is indeed so good. Whatever you are going through, I hope these words will be of great encouragement to you.

Remember those five words that seemed so goofy at first but wound up being such a treasure. Friends, always remember that Esau was a hairy man.