DIVINE INFLUENCE: WHEN LOVE HAPPENS AGAIN

Honolulu’s “Best Dressed Man.” Successful businessman. Media personality. Athletic Icon. Coach. Father of three beautiful girls. Son of baseball legend Artie Wilson Sr.

Then, a difficult divorce after 20 years of marriage jarred Artie Wilson into the hands of Jesus for the first time ever. Though he grew up in church and knew religion, he never really knew Jesus.  Forced to let go of his earlier marriage, Artie proceeded to hold tightly onto Jesus and, more importantly, placed himself totally under the  influence of his Lordship. Six years later, we see Artie with his stunning new bride Marie, a gift from the heart of God.

RESTFUL NOT RESTLESS

Artie and Marie never tried to “get” together. In the timing of God they just “came” together from a place of peace as the Lord – and a few friends – guided their journey. I had the privilege of joining them in marriage on 12.13.14. In Genesis, God said “It is not good for a man to be alone.” He then put Adam to sleep, fashioned Eve and brought her to him. It is worth noting that Adam did the resting and God did the bringing. Both were to be soul mates for the divine mission of spreading God’s divine influence. To all hopeful singles out there take heart, pray hard, be at rest, hold onto Jesus, embrace his mission, and trust him. In his time, he will reveal the match made in heaven for you.

TOAST HIM DON’T HIDE HIM

When it came time to toast the bride and groom, the moment was framed by testifying to the work of Jesus followed by two rounds of “Amens” preceded by an explanation of what “amen” meant: “so be it.” After decades of officiating weddings, that was a toast I had never seen. Glasses were raised and God was praised. Those in attendance were of considerable secular influence, and it would have been easy to hide the Lord or camouflage him with subtlety. Not on this night. I was reminded of how in John’s gospel, Jesus first miracle ever resulted in the multiplication of wine at a wedding. Dignitaries noticed, and perhaps even back then it was to make possible a mid evening toast as well. In both weddings, the people came under divine influence for the sake of the gospel.

God sovereignly knows ahead of time who, when given the opportunity, will honor him. I believe in return, he eventually sets a stage to honor them. May that be you. But remember: all of it is for his glory.