“To the train station please,” she said, putting her arm around Ravi and pulling him close.
Hello, love; to the train station it is.
Julie looked at the driver. “Mr. Dove?”
Yes, indeed! I told you I’d help you get home when the time was right. He smiled as He held up His pocket watch. Julie, I am glad to know that you grew to love your Father’s lambs. And you are bringing two of them home. And, love, don’t worry about the adoption paperwork; everything has been carefully prepared. He gave her a wink and said to Ravi, The Bible compares Jesus to a shepherd and His followers to sheep.1 You, Ravi, are one of Jesus’ precious lambs. He has a wonderful plan for your life.
“How do You know my name?” He turned to Julie. “How does He know my name?”
“He has been sent by the Lord to take us to the train station.” Turning to Mr. Dove, she asked, “Is that train the same? I mean, are the passengers the same?”
“If you are referring to your dining partner, yes, Julie, He’s waiting.” She clapped her hands and let out a whoop that woke Sharavathi. She clasped Ravi’s shoulder and gave him an affectionate hug. “He is there for us; He’s waiting for us.” A puzzled Ravi asked, “Who, who?”
“Jesus!”
“Jesus is on the train? A plane is much faster.” Julie laughed.
Jesus lives in Heaven, said Mr. Dove. He sits on a throne next to His Father God. He has billions of angels serving Him, and He can appear anywhere He wants any time He wants. He’s on the train because He wants to spend some time with you.
When the auto rickshaw arrived at the deserted station, Mr. Dove parked and carried the screen. The train was at the far side of the platform.
Ravi, hurry ahead; someone’s waiting for you on the train, said Mr. Dove.
Ravi looked to Julie.
“Go, run fast.” Julie could see Jesus watching through the window. Ravi jumped up on the steps and entered. She hurried across the deserted platform carrying Shara and heard wild laughter as she climbed the steps, followed by Mr. Dove.
Ravi was in Jesus’ arms with his legs wrapped around His waist. Jesus was spinning, and they were both laughing hilariously.
I am restoring the smile to your eyes, Ravi.
I’ve never heard such pure joy, thought Julie. Soon she had tossed back her head and had joined the sweet mayhem. She didn’t know how long they laughed, but Jesus came to her holding Ravi on His right hip, and He embraced her with His left arm. Shara snoozed contentedly. He gave Julie the longest hug. His embrace felt like warm, refreshing oil flowing over her, soothing away all concerns and tensions.
I am the joyful, happy God, and together we will dance on your problems.
She looked into His eyes and was engulfed in unconditional love. Tears ran down her cheeks as the waves continued to wash over her. She looked at Ravi, who had his head on Jesus’ shoulder. He was quietly crying, too. They clutched each other and wept in love and joy until Jesus wiped their tears away. Then Jesus picked up Sharavathi with His left hand and held her to His chest.
Let’s all sit and have something to eat, said Jesus, motioning toward the booth. Ravi’s eyes lit up, but changed to disappointment when he saw a carafe of grape juice and unleavened bread. He sat down at the booth and snuggled up next to Jesus. Julie slid in directly across from them.
Jesus laid Sharavathi across His lap. As He tore the bread into three pieces, Ravi caught sight of the nail scars. He gasped.
Ravi, this bread represents My body, which was crucified so you could be free from sin. Eat this so you will not forget that My broken body delivered you from sinfulness into righteousness.
He laid His left hand on the table. Julie and Ravi automatically touched it as they ate the bread, and they began to weep again. Jesus filled three glasses from the carafe.
He held up His glass. This is My blood that was shed for your sin. You are totally forgiven. The cup stands for deliverance from death into life. Drink this so you will not forget that I provided salvation for you.
As they drank the juice, more tears flowed. Julie and Ravi were overwhelmed by the revelation of His love and sacrifice for them. Ravi broke the silence, “I wish we could stay here forever.”
Ravi, I’m always as near to you as I am now, even though you can’t see Me. What we just did is called the Lord’s Supper, and you can take it every day so you never forget the sacrifice I made for you. He put the glass down.
Ravi, you have a special calling on your life. Before I formed you in your mother’s womb, I called you to be an evangelist. I am moving you from disappointed to appointed.
You will place many peoples’ hands in Mine, and you will become a lover of My Word and a man of prayer and worship. I will place in you wisdom, love, authority, faith, and hope. But you need to grow up being loved by a family for all this to happen. How you do like the new mother I chose for you?
Julie’s face broke into a huge smile as Ravi said with excitement, “She is the best mother in the world.”
Jesus replied, Yes, she is the best mother in the world for you.
Jesus took Julie’s hands in His own. Julie, I’m so proud of you. Your heart is so soft because you followed My commands. You are leaving India a different person than when you arrived. I have called you to mother, love, and educate Ravi, Logan, and Sharavathi. You’ll train them in My ways and help them grow in their spiritual gifts. You will be a builder for the next generation and lay a firm foundation for all your children. You will be a happy family, and your husband will love and enjoy Ravi and Shara just like he loves Logan.
I saw your tears over the miscarriages, and I stored all of them in a bottle.2 Julie began to cry. These two wonderful children are My healing answer to your incredible pain. My dreams for you are more than you could ever imagine, and I will enjoy watching you and your expanded family grow, dance, laugh, and fulfill your destinies.
She looked into His eyes, “Oh, thank You, Lord. I never believed my broken heart could ever heal. I thought it was just too wounded. After the second miscarriage, it felt way past wounded; it felt shattered.”
I know, Julie, but now your heart will heal because it is filled up with love. Only My love can dissolve your excruciating grief.
“I can’t wait for my new family to meet my old family.”
That’s you, My friend, He said, putting His arm around Ravi’s shoulder. You must be hungry. I took the liberty of preparing some food; let Me serve you both.
“No, Lord,” Julie blurted.
No, Lord? Haven’t we been through this before? He smiled. Julie, you made Me so happy as you took care of My lambs.
“Lord, I have the ability to make You happy?”
Can Ravi make you smile, be happy, laugh, or be proud?
“Yes, but I never knew, I mean….”
Oh, I enjoy and love My children so much more than any earthly parent does. He gave her a radiant smile.
“In that case, Lord, I want to be the reason for Your smile.”
You are, Julie. More than you know.
Mr. Dove arrived pushing a cart with curry and cardamon-colored stone-ware. He bowed, tipped His hat, and smiled, Hopefully everything is to your satisfaction, love. Then He left.
“Those were the dishes in my dream!”
I still speak through dreams, Jesus said with a mischievous grin.
“Wait, what’s that mean?”
It will become apparent shortly. She began to speak, and He held up His hand, signaling her to let it go. Then He winked at her as He lifted the lid off the chafing dish.
“Real food,” cried Julie with delight. “Roast and mashed potatoes and gravy and corn on the cob. My favorite meal from childhood.”
It’s your mother’s recipe.
“I was just thinking I’d fix it when I arrived home. You really do know all my needs and my desires, don’t You?”
I know them before you do. Before you call, I will answer.3 Every solution for all My lambs was already worked out and waiting to be implemented before I sent you to India.
“Really?”
Really. I called you after Pastor Kandal and the church began to work on the house. You just had to be available.
“In the beginning, it felt like pulling teeth every day.”
He poured three glasses of apricot nectar.
That’s because you didn’t trust Me and trust that I could solve the problems. Every hard circumstance is an invitation to partner with Me. You carried a lot of the pressures because you didn’t believe that I would do what I said. If you had believed that I had a solution for every problem, then you could have relaxed the whole time.
“Looking back now, it seems easy to trust. When I was living through it, it seemed impossible. I couldn’t make things work out logically.” She pointed to her head.
“And, Lord, I’ve been thinking about how You told me that You can use everything for good, but I didn’t believe that. Going to India against my will seemed to be a horrendous tragedy. I couldn’t see one positive thing about it, but it turned out to be the high point of my life. And you used my stolen wallet, another thing I thought was unredeemable, so I could connect with Daya. You really can use what seems to be a bad situation and make it positive.”
And I didn’t just have a solution for these situations, but I have a solution for all your situations for the rest of your life. I take joy in sneaking up on you with great answers. Each day when you wake, I have it all planned. Keep your mind on Me. Trust Me, and you will live in perfect peace. And I do mean perfect.4
“Help me to remember that, Lord.”
Come to Me each day and I will. Every day is an invitation to grow with Me, even in the most mundane circumstances. You might just be surprised by how I define daily success for you. He carved the meat and laid it on Ravi and Julie’s plate. Julie bowed her head to pray, then smiled and looked up at Him. “Thanks.” She turned to Ravi, “Practice using your silverware.” Ravi fumbled with the fork.
Julie took a bite. “Oh, it’s better than mom’s!”
Ravi eventually got a bite and cried out, “This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted. What is this?”
It’s called beef, Ravi. It’s going to be your new favorite. Julie caught Jesus’ eye, and they both laughed.
Here, try some mashed potatoes and fruit salad. I believe there are bananas in it, He said with a smile. Ravi scooped the food in his mouth with his right hand as fast as he could. Jesus touched his shoulder.
Slow down, My friend. There’s always more than enough at My table. No one will ever take your food away again. I want to see you really enjoying it.
When Julie picked up her corn on the cob,
Ravi laughed and pointed. “You are eating like an Indian.” He laid his silverware down and used his right hand.
“What does success look like for me each day?” asked Julie.
How do you please a good father, Julie?
“I-I don’t know. I didn’t… I tried, but I couldn’t.”
You hold up your cup and ask for more!
“What?”
You please a good father by holding up your cup and asking for more.
“Can I have more beee-f?” asked Ravi, holding up his empty plate. “It tastes good!”
See, said Jesus, looking toward Julie with a big smile. Ravi, let me help you. You may have all that you want. He piled more food on his plate.
“I don’t know what beee-f is, but I sure like it.”
As Ravi grabbed a bite, Jesus said, Swish it through the mashed potatoes and then dip it in the gravy. Following His instructions, Ravi popped it in his mouth.
“Ummm.”
Jesus turned back to Julie, Who would you be if you’d never been wounded? How would you act if you didn’t have a desperate need for attention or if you didn’t fear punishment or if you didn’t do what you think other people expect? You don’t have to perform or try to be anything you’re not. Why not be the genuine Julie? I love your Julie-ness.
She looked puzzled as this truth penetrated her soul.
It’s all good. I am the God who loves to redeem—lost time, mistakes, and brokenness. Today’s missteps become tomorrow’s victories. Your past can’t rob you of your destiny because I can redeem anything you bring to Me. No child of Mine draws a bad picture or prays a bad prayer. If I had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
“I’ve never thought of it like that, Lord.” Julie loaded her fork with a bite of roast beef.
Success is learning to not lean on your own understanding, to not strive in your own strength. I delight in being your strength, source, and wisdom. I make easy on-ramps. Put your hand in Mine, and we’ll walk out each day together.
Spend time with Me, and you’ll receive a healed vision of Me and of yourself. You are not a pauper, but a princess. I am not a harsh father, but a proud parent who loves you every minute of the day.
“But how can You—?”
I see you through the finished work of the cross. Period. Your righteousness is established, and anything that says it’s not is a lie, a deception from My enemy.
“Lord,” said Julie, smiling as she held up her glass, “I’d love some more.”
And I’d love to accommodate you, He said, picking up the pitcher. What did you learn on this trip, My beautiful one?
“I learned that all people are precious, no matter what nationality, age, class, economic status, or level of cleanliness. They are all created in Your image and are all precious. Lord, I have totally changed the way I evaluate, I mean, the way I judge people, You know, by the exterior. I’m so sorry; please forgive me.”
I do forgive you, and I will help you to remember to lay down your judge’s robe and look through the eyes of love. Each person is precious enough for Me to die for. I will help you to see My face in every person you meet.
“Thank You, Lord. I need that. I guess I focused on people’s faults and flaws, not on who You created them to be. I just never saw their potential.”
Jesus nodded, then glanced at Ravi and smiled. He was in his own world chewing on a large bite of roast and sighing.
What else have you learned?
“I learned to love the Bible. I never realized all the miracles You performed or how much You loved people. The more I read, the more I got to know You. And I actually learned to pray. Before I just prayed boring rote prayers. I never realized I could actually connect with You.”
You can always connect with Me through prayer.
“And about money. I think I’ve probably spent more on one outfit than the average third world family earns in a year. I loved money and all my possessions and clothes. It was a god before, wasn’t it?”
It replaced Me.
“I didn’t realize how it consumed me until it was suddenly gone. I had no heart for the needs of others. All the problems I saw on the world news didn’t seem any more real than a movie with actors. Once the TV was off they were totally gone. This trip really opened my eyes to the amount of tragedy and pain that goes on. I’m going to support our precious orphans, and I’d like to give to other places, too.”
No one ever found true happiness from trusting in money, but many have found true satisfaction from giving it. There are many causes to support, but I will guide you.
“And, Lord, I’m going to stop buying so much stuff. I don’t need it; after a week, the newness always wore off, and it never made me permanently happy.” She fiddled with her napkin. “I can see that I loved things and used people. My new goal is to love people and use things. Thanks for putting up with me, um, my stubbornness, selfishness, and immaturity.”
Of course, I totally forgive you, Julie, and from now on, you’ll concentrate on storing treasures in Heaven.5
“What a paradigm switch. It’s so clear now.” She absentmindedly ran her finger over the seeds on her necklace.
I see you have some new jewelry.
“Yes, isn’t it lovely? I’m going to wear it regularly so the memories it carries will always be close to my heart.”
But it’s not a designer piece, nor is it made with precious stones.
She smiled, “You’re wrong, Lord; it’s both. It was designed especially for me, and it’s very, very precious.”
Ravi continued to eat.
“Ummm, this po-tat-oes is so good. It’s almost better than bananas!” Jesus smiled as He nodded and tousled Ravi’s hair.
Ravi, I’m glad you mentioned bananas because I picked our dessert with you in mind. It’s called banana cream pie.
“Banana cream pie,” cried Ravi. “It sounds wonderful.”
Some might say it’s “heavenly,” said Jesus, serving a piece to him.
Ravi took a big bite.
“This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted!” He licked the whipped cream off his fingers and grabbed another big bite.
Jesus and Julie laughed at his delight.
What else, Julie?
“I’ve learned that You move through prayer. I learned that I saw more with my eyes closed than with my eyes open.”
Meet Me each day on your knees, Julie. Everyone wins on their knees. Prayer is one of the most powerful forces in the universe. Prayer on one side of the world can cause Me to move someone from the other side of the world, He said with a wink. You were the answer to Ravi’s desperate prayers. Julie’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. Ravi looked confused. Between bites he said, “But, Jesus, I never prayed to You until Julie was here.”
But, Ravi, I heard your prayers, and I selected Julie to come here to learn some lessons she needed to know and to adopt you and Shara. It all started with your prayers.
“Are you saying Ravi’s prayers to his Hindu gods really caused You to move me halfway around the world?”
My heart was moved with compassion for him. And aren’t you glad?
“Oh, Lord, I wouldn’t have traded the experience for anything, especially since I have Ravi and Shara, and the lessons I’ve learned and the time I’ve gotten to spend with You.”
And you can spend time with Me any place or hour. My ear is always attuned to you.
“Lord, I’ve been thinking. My heart’s not really in retail anymore. It used to be such a thrill to accessorize the new fashions on the mannequins…” she paused, “just perfectly.” She grinned at Him and continued, “Somehow I don’t think it’s going to be much of a thrill when I get back.”
Jesus nodded.
“So I was thinking maybe Michael and I could downsize. Sell the house, get rid of a lot of excess stuff, and then I could afford to quit my job and be a full-time mom to my wonderful family.”
Jesus smiled and looked deep in her eyes. You have made a wise choice—to sow seed on good soil.6 Enjoy the unknown, Julie. Learn to die daily to doubt and fear. Don’t be afraid of a world that is already afraid; be at peace. What do you feel physically?
“What do you mean?”
Notice your body. What do you feel?
“I don’t know what You mean. I don’t feel anything.”
That’s right, He laid His hand on top of hers. You’re living for the very first time. No clenched jaw, no more tension in the neck, and no more migraines. I am the Prince of Peace.7 Do you know what that makes you?
“No.”
It makes you the Princess of Peace!
She smiled. “I’m not tense. My shoulders aren’t tight. I’m actually relaxed. Life is going to be so different.”
Yes, because you’ve learned that you can trust Me, and you’ve learned how to battle the enemy. Fight the good fight of faith.8 Do you know what a good fight is, Julie?
She shook her head.
A good fight is one you win! This life is a marathon, not a sprint. The enemy will return again and again. Remember what I said about taking every thought captive? If it’s not from Me, resist and rebuke it and state the truth to yourself, out loud. Your mind will become a beautiful, peaceful place for you to live.
“Yes, Lord. I’m ready to do hand-to-hand combat with Your enemy for my life and my family. And I haven’t forgotten about putting on the whole armor of God each morning to resist those fiery darts.9 With Your help, I will walk as a confident warrior.”
Excellent, Julie, you are well on the way to being an overcomer!10 People learn best in the furnace of affliction, and you now possess gold refined by fire,11 the purest form there is. You will no longer tread water, but you will walk on it. What else did you learn?
“That my self-worth doesn’t depend on me being perfect, which is good because I can’t be perfect. Soooo, I guess I can quit trying.” She grinned. “Lord, I’m so glad I learned this now, not in my 60s. I was constantly exhausted— mentally, physically, and emotionally.”
I’m glad you did, too, Julie. Aim for a spirit of excellence, never perfection.
“I’m learning to believe that I don’t have to perform for You to love me.”
I love you because I love you. I don’t stop loving you, even if you have what you would call “a bad day,” any more than you would stop loving Ravi. The finished work of the cross. Period.
“That takes the pressure off, doesn’t it?”
Yes, relax in the gift of My love and My righteousness. Knowing how I feel about you eliminates striving. I celebrate you and your future. I purchased your victory 2,000 years ago on the cross. As long as you don’t give up, you cannot fail.
“I always thought that Christianity was set up so I could never succeed.”
Julie, your sincere heart toward Me ensures that you can never fail. Did you know that you have never once disappointed Me?
“Lord, I didn’t think You could lie!”
I can’t, and you haven’t. Disappointment comes from hoping or expecting one thing and getting something less. I chose you knowing every day of your life and every sin you’d ever commit, so it is impossible for you to disappoint Me, ever.
“Lord, You’re amazing! You love using flawed people, don’t You?”
If you hadn’t noticed, Julie, it’s still the only kind I have, and yes, I’m crazy about them.
After everyone was sufficiently full and Ravi and Julie had talked on and on about the trip, the children, the food, and the future, the train came to a stop. Jesus said, I believe this is your stop.
“But I don’t want to leave You,” blurted Ravi.
You can’t leave Me because I never leave you. I am with you always, even until the end of the world.12
“But it’s really nice to see You, you know, in the flesh.” Julie touched His hand.
Seeing is not reality. My Word is reality and truth. I am always with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.13 I don’t just send you back; I launch you into your destiny. You will know My leadership like never before. And your compassionate heart will love people like never before. Now it’s time for you to get back to your family and introduce these two wonderful new members. This meeting is what you’ve longed for.
She felt her stress rising. Before she could catch it, her mind was back in the old pattern. What will my family think? I’ve been gone so long. How will I explain it? And I’m bringing home two new children!
It’ll be fine, Julie. One final test for you—trust Me on this one. Now take that thought captive. Resist and renounce it, and replace it with the truth.
“I resist and renounce this lie that Michael and Logan will be upset with me in Jesus’ name, and I replace it with the truth that our reunion will be wonderful.”
Excellent, Julie. Knowing the truth is what sets you free.14
He turned her around and escorted her to the back of the train.
Trust Me; remember how I had everything planned in India? I have everything planned here, too.
“OK, Lord; I trust You.” He handed Shara to Ravi and gave Julie a final, long hug.
“Thank You, Lord. I have two new children and didn’t even have to go through labor.”
He looked deep into her eyes. Yes, but it was costly. They both grinned.
“But so worth it. I am so grateful that You didn’t let me miss the time in India. Thank You for teaching me what I didn’t want to learn!
“Here I go to my joyful reunion.” She headed for the door.
Jesus put His arm around Ravi. Let her spend a little time with Michael and Logan, and then she will introduce you. Ravi, do you realize I sing with joy over your life?15