Meet J.
I had the honor of meeting him this weekend.
I was filling up with gas and was in a hurry to go meet Miss Christy so we could go help someone. As I finished, I looked up and locked eyes with a man filling his truck with gas. We nodded and smiled at each other—it was Sunday, after all.
I was just about to get in the car when I heard that familiar voice of the Holy Spirit whisper, “Pay for his gas.”
I started to tell Him that I was in a hurry to go help someone, but I was quickly reminded that I had prayed that very morning to hear from the Holy Spirit throughout my day—and that I truly wanted to follow His direction.
I got some cash out and started to get back out of the car. Just then, the man came out of the store with a pack of cigarettes in his hand, heading toward his truck.
I am ashamed to say that I instantly went into judgment mode.
He is driving a nice truck. He is dressed nicely. If he has money for cigarettes, maybe he does not really need the money. And besides, I am in a hurry.
So, I drove away to pick up Miss Christy.
I parked outside the store, and you will never believe who parked right beside me just a minute or two later.
J.
Instantly, I felt guilty for not listening to the Holy Spirit. It felt like my dad was shaking his head at me. Then I heard that voice again: “I am giving you a second chance. Remember, I look on the heart, I want to show him my love.”
As J. walked toward the store, I got out and said, “Hey brother, I was supposed to pay for your gas back at the gas station, but I did not do it—and I am sorry. But you followed me over here, so…”
J. said, “I didn’t follow you.”
HA!
Then J. shared his story. He had gone 12 years without a license. He had finally gotten it back and had earned his CDL just a few months ago, but life was still a struggle. He was not from this area; he was only in town to see his dad for his birthday. He had just spent his last cash on gas.
With tears in his eyes, he shared that he is just now learning to listen to God. He said this was such a message from God to him—that God sees his struggle and loves him.
We prayed together. I shared my contact information with him, and then we parted ways.
I was humbled—and so thankful that I finally listened to the Holy Spirit.
The amazing thing is that this was only one of many ways God showed up in the next few hours—right on time and in ways you simply could not miss Him. But I can tell you this: my interactions were dramatically changed for the rest of that day, and I believe for the rest of my life.
The Holy Spirit gently took me to school. He helped me see through His eyes and love with His heart.
And that is transformational.
Later, I was reading Fear Is Not My Future, written by my dear sister-in-law, Becky Graves, and I was reminded of this Word from God:
“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to shar with others.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT
I believe that is going to be a Word that defines my life from this day forward.
As I walk out love, may I see the heart of every person God places in my path. May I judge less, love more, and truly see people through His eyes.
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