Does God have a sense of humor? I think so. When I see what God has me doing today, it makes me smile. He was able to take me, at the age of 40, an evolutionary atheist, and change my whole life. Of course, that is what God is in the business of doing … changing lives. Once His truth was revealed to me, I truly did become a new creature.
Yet this change was not without some grumbling. I really did not expect God to call me into full time ministry. It was something I certainly didn’t want. I mean really … sell my business, work with kids, and live by faith? How was I going to take care of my family? What about that big new boat I had my eye on? As I struggled with His calling, I began to feel guilty that I was even arguing with God.
Yet, greater men than I have also been called to do the unexpected, and they too made excuses. Moses was called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Jonah fought God on taking a message to Nineveh. Paul was persecuting Christians when he was called. Just as these men finally answered God’s call, I too submitted to the will of my Lord. “Luckily” I didn’t have to be temporarily blinded or swallowed by a great fish to finally obey.
Over the last 18 years with AOI, I have come to know that I have the best “job” I have ever had. To see hundreds of lives changed from hearing the Creation and Gospel message has been a blessing beyond the power of description. I really am glad God won the argument! It makes me smile.
Lanny Johnson
