To tell this testimony I must first explain that I am aware of then disgusting nature of a gym hot tub. Yes, strangers entering the bubbling waters after their workout…..this defies even my own standards for non-grossness. However, occasionally the comfort of the jacuzzi overrides my thoughts about all of this.

And with that stated, allow me to proceed…. This last Saturday morning I was at 24 Hour Fitness in Pleasanton. After a nice workout I decided to relax those muscles in the hot tub there. I was hoping nobody else was in it and I got my wish….at first. After a while a young guy got in it too. I had seen him one other time there at the gym. 

My heart began to be drawn to this guy. I realized that it felt the same as the first time I saw him, about a week prior. There was a pleasantness and peace on his face. That familiar feeling to give a “word” to this guy was getting stronger and stronger. However, I was trying to ignore it. I wanted a quiet time and then to go home soon. (My son was visiting from Colorado). But I could feel this driving thing in me to talk to this guy. 

Finally I scoot a bit closer to him, feeling a bit afraid of how he might feel about some old dude talking to him in the jacuzzi. But, I looked at him and said, “Hey I was wondering if I could give you some encouragement.” For sure he looked a bit surprised and guarded. I explained a little more that I felt some encouraging words come up when I saw him. He welcomed it. I told him how I see this peace and feel even a disarming thing about him, along with a few other words. He looked surprised at the theme of peace and calm, but also very intrigued and open. 

Diego began to explain that he had just been through the first breakup with a girl and how it has been so very painful. He then told me about his folks asking him to move out of the house and topped it all off with sharing about back pain. He had an injury that has left him in a lot of pain for a while now and he’s been so discouraged over it. This guys was surprised that I saw that he carries peace, but he said he really wants that, even with these hard things going on. 

Compassion overwhelmed me for the 24 year old. I told him of my belief in God and that He really really loves us deeper than we think. He shared that he believes in God too. It came to me asking if I could pray over his back for healing and over his situations. He was really open at this point. As I prayed for healing and for God to show Diego how He feels about him, Diego began to cry and cry. He was even heaving a little bit. 

God did something deep in Diego in that hot tub. He felt God’s love and compassion. He was so grateful for this unexpected encounter and even talked of feeling physically better. One word he used about it all was that he felt “seen”. 

Praise God! We pray for more and more for Diego!!!