Have you had a God moment? I sure have, actually I’ve had a lot… but I wanted to focus today on one that comes to mind. The power of allowing God to use you is probably the most powerful thing I’ve ever experienced. But that means… you have to let go a little, more out of your comfort zone or face something difficult.
A little backdrop.
I’ve really felt led to help the homeless. Now, this is a more recent (past 6/7 years or so) revelation. Before, I kept on my way. If I saw them, I didn’t want to make eye contact. I recently pondered why and I think it started with the reality I couldn’t solve all their problems, or help them in a big enough way to really make a difference in their life. Also, there was a fear element… and the enemy can just take that and run with it!
Fast forward to the last 6 or 7 years and it has just felt like a complete 180. First thing I do now, is look them in the eyes. Have you ever noticed that eye contact (really with anyone) gives you a sense of being seen, or your existence validated? On the opposite side, can you imagine what it must be like to feel so low, you’re now even worth acknowledgement- yikes.
Ok, so now my God moment.
It was a typical day and I was running errands when I noticed a homeless man sitting on the grass. I sat in the car for a minute as I wrestled with logic and following my heart. He was right next to a McDonald’s so I parked and got out of my car. As I was slowly walking towards him I didn’t really have anything planned but I was feeling led.
Another thing that I’ve changed, is talking with each person I encounter. Again, it’s that acknowledgment I try to offer even though I know I’m not a millionaire and I can’t fix all their problems. I feel like it expresses how the base of how I feel- I care.
So I began a casual conversation with this gentleman. I learned that he had no family really to speak of, and his truck broke down and didn’t have the money to fix it. He was also disabled. Let’s pause for a second as I reflect on something he said- no family. That hit me like a ton of bricks… where would I be without my family, even as an adult. Those people who love you through everything, sigh…thank you God for my family.
What could I really do for him? Well, I don’t believe anyone should be hungry… so I went to the grocery store across the street and bought him a $10 gift card. Yep, that buys you next to nothing, and I wish I could of done more but $10 it was. I drove back and gave it to him, also learning he needed some clothes. He happened to be about the size of my husband- mental note, hubby and I will sort through the clothes and reconnect with him asap.
That was it, my tiny little contribution was done. All the glory goes to God for his direction. I got in the car and was ready to go about my day. Wait, what was that?! It was a lady backing into me with her car while I was still parked. She immediately got out and was so confused. She had a back up camera she kept telling me, how could this of happen she said. I’ll tell you…God.
Because the other part of my story, my husband’s hours were drastically cut at work. In the end, this hardly noticeable scratch on our car provided her insurance to write a check for nearly the amount we were short for 2 months. I was in awe… really my $10 gift card had that much of an impact? No, it was my obedience and allowing God to use me- needless to say, this experience left a mark.
My hope is to encourage you to listen and be led by the Holy Spirit. I’d love to hear your stories as well, if you feel comfortable sharing 🙂
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…” Matthew 25:35
