November 26. Robby Dilmore. Robby is a car guy. He’s been a car guy since 1971, when he started out at the dealership—washing cars. Over about 27 years, he worked his way up from service to parts to sales to owning a dealership. And from there—the God of the universe called Robby to do more.
In 2006, he started The Christian Car Guy Radio Show, which is now syndicated nationally on 73 radio stations, streams live on the internet, and is podcast.
In 2008, he began hosting Kingdom Pursuit, a one-hour, live show on radio and internet. He also co-hosts Masculine Journey Radio and Disciple Magazine. And since the year 2000, he has taught the Special Needs Sunday School Class at Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC.
On this date in 2016, Robby posted “Four Days Late but Right on Time” on The Christian Car Guy website.
Don’t miss an opportunity to listen, lean into another man’s fear, and share Jesus.
Stretched to the limit, Robby was feeling strained trying to run a car dealership and to oversee details on the construction of a new building when Johnny, a top car-salesman, stopped in with some bad news.
“Robby, I’ve been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer,” Johnny announced.
Searching for the right words Robby replied, “I am so sorry to hear that, Johnny.” He rallied his positivity and added, “You’re going to be fine. I’ll pray for you. Don’t worry about it. I had cancer almost eight years ago, and I’m fine.”
The message seemed clear. Don’t worry. Keep your chin up. Now get out there, and do what you do best. Sell cars.
That wasn’t the reply the salesman was looking for. Robby had a settled faith in God, but Johnny wasn’t there yet. And he wasn’t interested in being reminded Robby had had cancer and was cured. He was concerned about his own life and looking for a listening ear, not a ‘don’t be worried about cancer’ pitch.
As Johnny turned away, Robby noticed the doomed look on Johnny’s face. It was then he realized he had missed a valuable opportunity—an opportunity to listen and lean into another man’s fear and share Jesus.
Early that August, Robby got a call from Johnny’s wife. She explained Johnny was lying in a coma at the hospital after surgery to remove his pancreas.
“Please come to the hospital,” she pleaded. “They aren’t sure he’s going to make it.”
When Robby got to the hospital, the doctor informed the family he might not make it through the night. The next few hours were critical.
Visiting with the family, Robby learned Johnny had once gotten angry with a preacher and quit going to church. That may have explained his reluctance to take part in any conversation about God. “Please pray for him,” his wife pleaded.
Robby spent the night praying for Johnny and himself as well. He had worked with Johnny for five years and had never shared the gospel with him. Robby promised God if He would give Johnny more time, Robby would introduce him to Jesus.
Four days after surgery, Robby learned that Johnny had come out of his coma. And Robby determined to make good on his promise. This time, he wisely asked God to give him the right words.
When he went to see Johnny, Robby said, “You know, Johnny, when you were in that coma, and things didn’t look good, I made a deal with God.”
“What kind of deal?”
“I promised that if He would give you some more time, I would help you to get to know Him better—and if you didn’t know Him, I would introduce Him.”
“A deal is a deal. You better get to it,” Johnny said.
And Robby did.
Later that afternoon, while listening to a song called “Four Days Late” by Bill and Gloria Gaither, the Holy Spirit enabled Johnny to put his trust in Jesus Christ. He placed his faith in the One who said:
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live’” (John 11:25 CSB).
Is there someone you’re hesitant to share Jesus with? Instead of assuming they aren’t ready to hear about Jesus, assume God has chosen you to tell them. Don’t miss an opportunity to listen, lean into another man’s fear, and share Jesus.
Dilmore, Robby. “Four Days Late but Right on Time.” The Christian Car Guy. Published November 26, 2016. http://christiancarguy.com/four-days-late-but-right-on-time-2/.
Dilmore, Robby. “Christian Car Guy Documentary.” YouTube video. Accessed August 21, 2020. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBPTndiZ9gcYhWb3nPciTpA.
Dilmore, Robby. The Christian Car Guy. Accessed August 21, 2020. http://christiancarguy.com/robby/.
Story read by: Nathan Walker