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Years ago a friend made the comment, “Before I walk into church every Sunday I ask God, ‘who do you want me to spend time with today Lord?’.” That really caused me to think. Did I ever offer myself to the Lord on my way into church? To that point, no! But that one question changed up the rules for me.
I have to admit that prior to this important question, I went to church for me. I wanted to worship, I wanted to get fed, and I wanted a bit of time away from my child so I could think. I was so self-focused and church was my time. But that day, God chose to speak to me through a friend’s comment.
I next found myself in a wrestling match of sorts. I had to face the fact that I’m not very good in crowds. Put me one-on-one with someone and I can banter and carry on for hours. But, a crowded room presents some issues. What if the person I choose to talk to doesn’t want to talk to me? How do I begin a conversation with someone I don’t really know? What on earth should I say? On and on my thoughts went, pushing up against my own self-imposed limits having to do with self-worth. Thankfully the Lord has helped me over the years to basically get over myself and realize that I can be used, in big ways and in small ways, to speak into others’ lives.
So I want to challenge you today. When you go to church, or into your office, perhaps into the grocery store or the coffee shop, would you please consider that God might want to use you in someone’s life? When you enter in, what exactly do you plan on leaving behind? I believe God wants us to realize that we are His hands and feet to this dying world, and if someone needs a touch from God, it’s going to have to come from us Christians roaming around town! Could He do it another way? Well, He’s God, of course and He doesn’t need us, but I believe He really wants to use us for such purposes.
The procedure is really quite simple. As my friend did, simply ask God before entering the workplace, store, church service, etc., “who do you want me to touch base with today Lord?” Give Him a few moments and I believe He’ll tell you. If you’re not impressed immediately, go ahead and go in but be alert to His still, small voice that may direct you as you encounter various people. Also, realize that this encounter may not be profound; but then again, it may not only change someone else’s life, it could actually change yours as well!
This simple little exercise is going to stretch you, but stretching never hurt anyone and it is actually quite good for us. After I heard my friend, I began to allow myself to be stretched. When I enter in, I look around the room. I don’t always hear from God; sometimes I just observe until I see someone I haven’t met yet, someone wearing a look that tells me they aren’t happy, or perhaps feeling a little intimidated at being there. Watch for the signals and be aware that God might be speaking to you. And then step out.
I never used to think about what I left behind. I’m praying these days that I’m leaving a good taste in someone’s life when I walk away from them. It may only be a “hello” but it just might be the most important hello you’ve ever spoken. God wants to use you. As you enter in this week, what are you going to leave behind?
Just Encourage 
Coming in for physical rehab I wondered who would be my roommate. One lady was leaving soon after I came in. We hit it off immediately – shared a bit of our spiritual journey – and then she left. The other lady who remained in the room was difficult to communicate with. I thought, ok, I don’t mind. I can concentrate on my writing. The first night she disturbed my sleep with her moaning, crying and calling out in her sleep. I was dead beat in the morning. Is this what I came in for?
Later the same day I found her weeping in her bed. She said, ‘I’m just feeling sorry for myself”. The same morning I heard the doctor tell her that her diagnosis was bad. She would slowly deteriorate physically and die within a year. No medicine would help her or relieve her neurological symptoms.
I sat down and asked her what was the most difficult thing she faced. After awhile she asked me what helped me to keep from wallowing in self-pity – seeing my Arthritis-formed hands. I shared something of the dark valleys I had passed through – and shared the secret that had brought me through. ‘My childhood friend’ Jesus had met me in my distress.
Somehow I believe that she received a glimpse of him who also had been present in her childhood and who has promised to stay by her side through every dark valley right through to the bright eternal home, where pain and tears are gone for ever.
Lisa, I’m sorry you had to go to rehab…was this recent? But how lovely that you were able to show your roomie the Light in you! Pray all is well with you!
Rehab is a gift – keeping my Arthritis body as fit as possible. I’m glad if I get the chance for rehab once a year or so. I’m here at the moment. Roommate is much calmer, has had good dreams at night, not crying or moaning as before. She will probably be moved to another care place soon, so I can expect another roomie before I go home for Easter. (I’m getting a little bit of work done on my book now and again.)
Ok, rehab brings up different connotations here! Glad this is something you welcome & that it is even affording you the opportunity to write. Sounds like a win/win. Take care my friend!
What word would you use over there for a period of physical training due to ill health, post trauma or stroke etc.? Here in Finland such opportunities are given through personal application with a doctors recommendation. Before age 65 a three-four week period is given free to people chronically ill – with a certain degree of handicap. After 65 it is not so easy, not completely free, but still possible.
Well, then I guess it’s similar. It usually comes about after hospitalization here where one isn’t physically able to go home and rehab is the interim to help you get back in shape to walk, bathe, etc.