Don’t Miss It
Not every follower of Jesus recognizes them, at least in the moment. For instance, yesterday, I needed to return a package to Amazon. I was supposed to do it before picking April up from work. I didn’t. So I asked her if she minded us doing it together on the way home. She agreed. We walked into a grocery store that accepts Amazon packages. As I talked to the service rep, the conversation turned when she asked April if she was Filipino.
It turned out April had actually heard of this person but had never met her. During the conversation, an invitation was made for the Amazon rep to join April’s women’s Bible study group. After returning to the car, I turned to April and said, “Do you realize God set up that meeting?” She hadn’t.
This morning, I was driving April to work. It was 4:40 AM. As we passed a vehicle with no lights on at the roadside, a man was waving his arms frantically. Traveling at 65 mph, I had microseconds to decide what to do. I wanted to pull over, slam on the brakes, and perhaps back up to see if I could help him. I didn’t for many reasons. But I did call 911 and reported the man needed assistance of some kind. On the way back home, I saw there were two police cars on the scene helping him.
The incident reminded me of the story of “The Good Samaritan” in the Bible. Although there are some differences between his story and mine, our thoughts were probably similar. Do I get involved? Is it safe to stop to help him? Don’t worry. Someone else will help. The commonality is this: noticing you are in a moment where you can do good for someone and demonstrate God’s love toward them. Doing so can help them and perhaps allow you to share God’s plan for redemption.
“God moments” can happen fast and at any time. It requires us to be observant and mindful of these instances and then do our best to accomplish the will of God. Responding to such a moment may take some of your time and possibly some of your other resources. Honestly, though, those things belong to God. If recognizing a “God moment” is challenging, ask Him to help you see them. I’m sure He will. It is always pleasing to the soul when you are involved, and it is neat to know that God used you to help someone He has been loving on.
Luke 10 30-37 (MSG)
30-32 Jesus answered by telling a story. “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.
33-35 “A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’
36 “What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?”
37 “The one who treated him kindly,” the religion scholar responded.
Jesus said, “Go and do the same.”
Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady.
