Some of you may remember that I enjoy walking to lunch when I can. These last two days have just been gorgeous, and I have taken advantage of the opportunity. As I was walking today, I wasn’t sure where I wanted to eat. I felt led to ask God to direct me and prayed, “Lord, where do You want me to eat?” I was thinking maybe some sushi at Fancy Q’s or a sub at Larry’s, but Southern Soul came strongly into my mind. I had thought about eating there yesterday, but the line was very long so I chose elsewhere. Today, there was only one couple waiting outside the door, so I was glad to see that. As I approached the door, I saw there was a seat at the bar and could go ahead and sit there and order without waiting in line. I went in and I saw the reason I was supposed to eat there. Sitting next to the only open stool was a man the Lord brought to my mind just the day before. I had prayed for this man and his children then because I had not seen them in several years and had lost contact with him. I was concerned for them as his wife had passed after battling cancer. He and his family were members of another church and it was difficult to keep in touch. When I came up from behind him and called his name, he turned and immediately there was that big smile of his. It truly was a time of pure happiness and joy in seeing him. I was so glad to hear how well his children are doing. He had some difficulties from a fall he had since I had last seen him, but he was doing much better now. We visited for a good five minutes or more before he needed to go and I needed to order my lunch.
That was truly a blessing from God and how He allowed me to see my brother in Christ that I had not seen for several years. And on top of that, having him come to my mind just yesterday and feeling led to pray for him. There were so many other places I could have eaten, even within walking distance, but God led me there. When things like this happen, you may have heard someone say, “That’s a God thing.” I would agree to that because there are no coincidences in life. Things don’t just happen. God can and does orchestrate our lives where He can use us and bless us in great ways. When we allow Him to guide us, we receive immeasurable blessings. Instead of just picking a place to eat because it sounds best, we can ask God where He would like us to eat. We may not always run into an old friend, but there may be another reason He wants us there. He may want to use us in some way. He may want us to be there to encourage our waiter or waitress, and even pray for them. He may want us to eat there so the owner of the restaurant will make enough sales that day to pay their staff or bills. He may want us there to meet someone new and even have the opportunity to share Jesus with them. He may want us there just to see if we will listen to Him and obey.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 NASB says, “Pray without ceasing.” Other translations say, “Pray continually;” “Pray constantly;” and “Never stop praying.” The apostle Paul is encouraging us to always be in communication with God. Be mindful of Him and be listening to the Holy Spirit speaking to you. Be expecting the Holy Spirit to prompt you. And be ready for the Holy Spirit to lead you. If we are communing with God and listening, we will hear His still, small voice. Then we will be ready to do those things He has prepared in advance for us to do. (Eph. 2:10)
So, next time you’re trying to decide on where to eat, don’t ask yourself or everyone else where they’d like to eat. Stop and ask God where He wants you to eat. Then, be ready to see what He has in store for you.
Bro. Paul Reed
Tuesday, March 9, 2021