Chance or Choice
It was slightly after 4:00 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon. A group of us were returning from a conference in Dallas. At 5:00 p.m., service would begin at our church and we were still about an hour away. We were barely going to make it. It was at this time, I noticed a car parked along the road and a lady flagging for help. It is not good for a pastor to be late for service. I struggled about whether or not to stop. But, I did.
We learned that her name was Jessica and she had run out of gas. We did not have any, but offered to drive her to the nearest gas station to get some. She hesitated, but finally agreed. The first gas station turned out to be around 25 minutes away.
On our way back, I asked about her Christian life to which she said that she did her best. I noticed how tired she looked. She had the impression of someone who was having a rough life.
I told her that she looked tired from spending her life chasing things that she cannot get; that I knew Jesus had arranged this meeting because He loves her and wants her to return to him. She began to cry. I offered to pray with and for her to return to Christ and she said “yes”. All of us in the vehicle prayed.
Afterwards, in the silence, there was a sweet presence of the Holy Spirit. When we arrived at her vehicle, she gave me a big hug and would not let go. A great sense of relief was visible in her face.
Jessica didn’t know, but this meeting was not only arranged for her. The night before, I had been praying to God about losing passion; asking for reassurance that He still wants to use me to reach others. Through Jessica, He reminded me that He has not changed, but that I have not been listening to Him.
All of us have different reasons to rush, but sometimes we can miss the most important purpose in our lives because we do not see or hear what is around us. We have to choose to be sensitive, watchful and mindful of where God wants us, what He wants us to do, and when He wants us to do it. Take time today to hear what God is telling you.
Hector
