Christian Living
It was a typical South Florida summer day and the heat was just oppressive. It radiated up from the pavement and enveloped everyone in its grasp. A cold drink seemed the only relief until I could escape the tormenting humidity and flee to my air-conditioned office. “Just another thing to have to deal with,” I muttered to myself, overwhelmed by the pressures of life pulling at me from every side.
I was making a dash into the local convenience store when I saw him. He was sitting alone on the ground next to the bagged ice cooler obviously trying to cool down a bit. I thought to myself, “Buddy, take off that heavy jacket! That will help a bunch.” A nudge from God interrupted that thought. As I approached, God spoke softly to my heart, “ask him if he’d like a drink.”
“Wow, it sure is hot today, can I get you a drink?” I smiled at the stranger.
Used to being ignored, he paused for a moment, surprised by someone actually acknowledging his presence. “Sure, a Pepsi would be nice.”
“I’ll be right back.” I said and ducked inside the store. Returning a few moments later, I handed him his drink and took a few minutes to find out about this stranger God had brought across my path.
“What’s your name?” I asked. Little did I know that was the only invitation he needed to allow me a small glimpse into his life. He told me his name was Charles and told me a bit of how he came to be in his current situation. I gave him my total undivided attention.
Sadly, before long, my watch was telling me my lunch break was over. Explaining my situation to Charles he smiled to me and said, “That’s okay. Thanks for the drink. I knew there was something different about you; you really stood out.” Wow, God, I didn’t expect that!
On my way back to the office, I replayed the whole experience in my mind. I realized God put Charles in my path for me. I was so wrapped up in temporary things that pass that I forgot about what’s real and lasting and he used Charles to let me know. The enemy had so gotten a hold on my thinking with the cares of this world I had lost my way for awhile. At that thought, I breathed a prayer of gratitude.
Sadly, I can’t say I always stop for God’s “interruptions”. My experience with Charles taught me that they aren’t always someone else wanting something from me. Often, they are God wanting to give something to me. That thought alone always brings a smile to my face no matter what the day has been like. Our God is so lavish in His love for us!
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
Reader Count & Comments
Date
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com. This is especially true with articles that
deal with personal healthcare and prophecy. We encourage the reader to make their own decision in consultation with God, His Word, and others as needed.
This article has been read 941 times < Previous | Next >
Read more articles by Lynda Miller or search for other articles by topic below.
This article has been read 941 times < Previous | Next >
Search for articles on: (e.g. creation; holiness etc.)
Read more by clicking on a link:Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
NEW - Surprise Me With an Article - Click here for a random URL
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE
FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.