Encounter with God

Your encounter with God will come unexpectedly. Mine came as I rushed around, completing tasks I needed to do before traveling the next day. Besides having two business meetings, I had to wrap up back-to-school preparations for my daughter.
As we exited the car in a store’s parking lot, a young man approached me with a sponsor sheet, seeking financial assistance to buy his school supplies. Several other young men were there with sponsor sheets but he was the one who spoke to me. When I told him that I did not have any cash, he said he would also be grateful if I could buy an item for him. Without asking anything, I invited him into the store with me. After finding a salesclerk to assist my daughter, I took him to the uniform section to be outfitted.

Shortly afterward, his friends came looking for him. When they realized what was going on, their eyes lit up with excitement for him. They told me it was so unusual, it had to be a move of God. They said they had been at that location for two weeks asking for help. Some people ignored them and others promised to come back but never did. They could not believe I responded without questions or promises. They began to praise God.

Seeing their gratitude, I told them I would buy each of them a set of uniform. When they heard that, they ran up and down the store’s aisle thanking God. Words cannot adequately describe how it felt to see those young men rejoicing and glorifying God. The salesclerks were also amazed and one told me that God was pleased with my act of kindness.

Although the item my daughter needed was out of stock, I was satisfied to know that five young men no longer had to worry about having new school uniforms when school reopened in September. I am grateful that she witnessed what God expects of those in a better position than others. Before I left, they asked me to take a photograph with them as a reminder of what God had done. The store employees ran to the door to watch us. I believe everyone there was blessed to see what God will do.

I had never seen the young men before or knew their parents. But that was not my concern. My concern was to sow into their lives by meeting a need. I was happy they understood that God sent me there to bless them. That was an encounter with God I could have missed because he did not come dressed in a long white robe, with long brown hair and a beard. He appeared to me as five young men in need. Thank God, I recognized him that day.

It’s so easy to keep all the blessings for ourselves and forget the reason we are blessed. It’s an awesome feeling to be on the receiving end but it’s more rewarding to be the one who gives. When God blesses you, do not become tight-fisted. When he delivers you from harm, do not be afraid to share your story. As the Lord leads, be a blessing in someone’s life.