During the car ride to Woodside I had in my lap my Bible, a copy of the "One Minute Bible", and my I-pod. I had a minor headache and was sick of being sick, but I was not going to let my illness ruin my Sunday morning.
I came to a realization that I had a funny sounding voice when I returned greetings to the men and women at the doors of Woodside. Just as I found my seat the band had started playing their first song "I'm Counting On God" and began the service. Pastor Doug then delivered a message and I was soon to be on my way back home. I had said goodbye to my friends and exchanged hugs and began my way out and into the main lobby.
I ran into (not literally...) one of my friends, Andrew, and we struck up a short conversation. Then it happened... While we were talking a man (I'd guess who was in his 30's) came up to us and asked if either of us had "some change for gas". At first I didn't know what he was talking about. He went on to explain how he just had enough gas to get to church that morning and was in need of money to return home. He said he felt bad that he had to ask around but what was he to do? Without hesitating, I reached into my back pocket, opened my wallet and grabbed a $20 bill and handed it to the man. With emotions going through my head so quickly, it was hard to tell what was going on. I saw a man who needed help and he extended his hand out to me, and I wanted nothing more than to help. I didn't want to waste this opportunity to shine God's love. This man had made the choice to come to church knowing he would not be able to get himself home. I was not going to represent God's family as a family who turns away beggars. His reaction was something I hope I never forget. His eyes opened wide and his jaw dropped as he said "Are you serious man? Man you are like a saint! Thank you so much man! I can't believe it!"
He was filled with amazement, and I knew it wasn't because of me. It was God Himself working through me. Let me tell you, it is a powerful feeling. God led me to that man just as He led that man to ask me for help. If I didn't stop to talk to my friend, If I left earlier than I did, or later than I did, or any other small thing, then I would have totally missed running into him. The timing was Perfect. I'm not blogging about this to boast or say "look at me, I gave a man $20!" I am not saying that at all. I actually hesitated if I should even write about this for the fear some people would not understand my point. Today's encounter worked in me probably just as it has worked in that man. I thank God for choosing to give me a opportunity be a giver rather than a taker. I am in no way taking any credit for helping that man. I do not want any credit. It was God. It was all Him. All of the money I have is just His anyway. Today I gave a single man $20 so he could return to his home. 2,000 years ago Jesus gave every man His life, so we could go to our Eternal home in heaven.
God preformed an unexpected Miracle today. In my life, I am thankful God used me, with no preparation. I was on the spot. It was all or nothing. Right then, right there He used me: Miracle. In the other man's life, he knew that he should go to church, but he was uncertain about what the outcome would be because he knew he could only make a one way trip. Although in that uncertainty he trusted in God that He would have a plan, and like always, He did: Miracle.
"We give thanks to you, O God;
we give thanks, for your name is near.
We recount your wondrous deeds."
- Psalm 75:1
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