The Playhouse

God messaged me this past week as I listened and tried to remain sensitive to His presence. It came through the morning news that played as background noise to my getting dressed. Suddenly, I stopped and stepped toward the TV when I heard the name: Dennis Rodman.
There he was complete with face piercing and bleached hair making headline news as the guest of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un. What an unlikely duo - Rodman, an eccentric former NBA star, chumming with the leader of a nation that ranks #1 in Christian persecution and intolerance of human rights. Estimates range from 50,000 to 70,000 Christians being held in North Korean prison camps. These camps are usually for lifetime for entire families, and treatment has been described as mimicking Holocaust atrocities.
This news grabbed my attention because of a commitment I made many years ago. I was the leader of a new Sunday School group of single ladies. It was a small group - five - including myself. We were studying prayer, and I challenged them to consider a celebrity that people would think unlikely to be saved. Dennis Rodman won the challenge. I added him to my prayer list and have shared his name with other prayer groups over the years.
I’ve seen Rodman’s name make the news since that commitment, but it’s never been the kind of news for which I have prayed. Still, I know God answers prayer, and since He is outside of time, I realize I must pray persistently for Dennis Rodman to be saved as I remind myself to not grow impatient.
When I saw him laughing with the North Korean leader, I didn’t see a basketball star initiating a friendship with a crazed powerful leader. I saw a future Christian sharing his salvation experience with a leader intent on suppressing and annihilating all Christians in his land. Kim Jong would never give audience to a missionary or evangelistic pastor, but he would be open to this NBA star that he apparently idolizes.
God has told us that His thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are His ways our ways. Could God be preparing this improbable friendship as a means of reaching Kim Jong Un for Christ?
The possibility ignites my curiosity and my reason to remain with my lengthy commitment. For you who pray and believe in answered prayer (there’s a difference), would you join me? Then watch the news with expectancy. Imagine the headlines: Kim Jong Un leads Korea to seek Christ as he and his NBA friend, Dennis Rodman, fast and pray.
Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Monday a.m., just before typing this for emailing: Rodman was on the news again, decked out in a coat of green backs and wearing silver in his ears, nose and lip. His image mesmerized me, and I thought of my bold commitment. My faith was actually wavering as I watched his far from humble boasting. Before my faith totally eclipsed, God messaged me again, “Call to me and I will show you great and mighty things that you do not know.”
I’m calling! Will you join me?