Uncomfortable moments and quick convictions

Sometimes it's difficult to understand why God puts us in certain situations.

Mr. Youth Minister and I have been living in Miami for about three months, and while that's probably not a long time, it sure feels like we've undergone a lot of changes in that time frame.

Many days I ask myself the question, "Why, God? Why did you call us here?"

And I usually don't get an audible answer, but I do see pieces of the puzzle coming together.

Just the other day God confronted me with one of those "this is out of my comfort zone" situations.

Now before I explain my story, let me preface that although I know in my head that God has called his followers to love EVERYONE, sometimes it's hard...so don't judge.

With that being said, the other day I had to pick up a prescription at Walgreens. Now if you know anything about Miami, you know that taking a trip to Walgreens isn't a light task.

You have to battle traffic...which is ultimately controlled by crazy people who think blinkers are unnecessary and honk their horns at you if you're not moving before the light turns green.

Soooo, I'm making my way through the heavy traffic to Walgreens, and after almost having a few panic attacks, I made it to the parking lot.

And if you knew anything about me, you'd know that I did a little victory dance right outside my car door.

You know what they say, "little victories."

As I made my way through the parking lot I also almost got hit a few times by once again, those crazy drivers.

Frazzled, I stepped under the front awning to walk through the front door, and saw a Hispanic man hunched over leaning against the wall.

As I walked by he looked up and made eye contact with me...

This is the part where it's "out of my comfort zone."

I knew when he looked at me that he was going to ask me for money.

Now, in Alabama, at least in small town Alabama, we don't have many "homeless" people.

So when we moved to Miami, I wasn't to used to seeing so many people in those types of situations.

And I also wasn't used to the fact that some may not actually be homeless, they're just panhandlers. And I also wasn't used to the fact that some are a little unstable or have major addictions, so no, they don't want food...they want your money...and they want it now.

So you see, when I made eye contact with the man, my first thought was , "Oh no, I'm not sure if this guy is crazy or not...or really even needs my money..."

After making eye contact the man said, "Please mam, I don't usually do this, but I'm hungry, and I need money for food. Do you have any change you can give me."

 My next thought was brief, and without even really considering I said, "I don't have any change."

He then said, "It's OK. God bless."

Whew! Talk about a quick conviction.

"God bless?"

Really?

Here I was staring at a guy who really did need some kind of blessing, and he's the one blessing me.

So again without really thinking, I hurriedly walked into Walgreen's to the pharmacy counter.

As I stood in line I thought of the Hispanic man.

I then realized that without evening really trying I had let my uncomfortable feelings toward homeless people overshadow my convictions of helping and loving God's people.

Like so many of us do, I let me fears win out even though I know I have nothing and no one to fear accept God.

"If God is for me, who can be against me?"

I also thought about Peter when Jesus asked him three times, "Do you love me, Peter?" And Peter said, "Yes, Lord." And Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep."

Here I had a perfect opportunity to really love God's people and literally feed his sheep, not just through food, but through showing his love.

So after my quick conviction, I ran back through the store and outside to tell the man that I had found a little extra money to help him out.

"What would you like to eat?" I asked.

"Cookies," he said sheepishly.

"And to drink?" I asked.

"A coke."

So I went back inside, found some cookies, a coke, and a few extra things because I thought, "There's nothing nutritious about cookies and a coke."

After purchasing the food and my prescription, I went outside and handed him the bag of goodies.

 His eyes lit up, and then he began to tell me how he's been having a difficult season in his life. His brother had recently passed away, and he didn't want to ask his family for money.

He said he was grateful for the food, and if I needed any help with yard work or things fixed at my home he would love to do it for free, and that he could be found almost any day at Home Depot waiting for work.

We then exchanged a quick hug and he kissed me on the cheek.

In that moment, I received another piece to the puzzle, and realized that God's plan and purpose for us being here is far more amazing than I could have ever believed.

Through uncomfortable moments and quick convictions God is teaching me how to be loved by him, to really know him and in turn love his people.

I hope this brings you encouragement, and helps you to see that although we don't always understand God's plan, he really does have a purpose.

Even if it's facing some of your fears, bringing you out of your comfort zones and getting kissed on the cheek by a "homeless" man.

Until next time...

With His Love,
MYM Jessica