I have moments like that with God.
However, today I had a Holy Spirit inspired moment that needs to be shared. I wrestled with whether or not I should keep this to myself, but I believe so strongly in encouraging people that I felt others needed to read this.
So here goes:
Thursday is my day to finalize the message and plans for everything that will take place at New Hope Church on Sunday morning. I have the Scriptures and general idea of the message in place before then, but Thursday is my day to put everything God has placed on my heart in a final draft. There are some days when this process goes well, and there are days when getting the words on the screen is a challenge.
Today the words flowed...It was effortless. I felt connected to God in a special way, and I am confident that the words will touch someone's heart on Sunday morning. I even posted about it earlier on Facebook because I was so excited about it.
One of the Scriptures that inspired me was Galatians 6:2.
Galatians 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
The idea that God calls us into community with one another, and that we are to not be isolated and separate from one another, but to help each other and carry each others burdens, was a breathe of fresh air. This is how it's supposed to be. So when I see someone who has a need, if I'm able, God calls me to meet it. If I see someone who needs encouragement, God calls me to encourage them. It's really that simple. That's the law of Christ.
With that, the message was finished. The Sunday planning was finished. I had a few hours to kill before worship band practice. (I get to play this week!) So I thought I'd go for a run.
During my run I was listening to one of my new favorite worship tunes. The song Rising Sun from All Sons and Daughters. Oh my goodness, this song hits me right in the feels. As soon as the guitar kicks in I have tears filling my eyes, and the Holy Spirit filling my heart. Seriously, today it was too much. I had to stop my run so I could take a moment and sit on a rock for a while.
The sky was blue and beautiful. The sun was bright in the sky (still is). And I'm telling you, God and I had this amazing moment. Listen guys, I've had a tough week. I'm just like everyone else. Even though I'm a pastor I still have doubts about how good a job I'm doing. I still worry about raising four kids, being a good husband and father. It can stress me out. I'm human (the secret's out).
God knows all of that about me...and today he just filled up my heart with this moment of worship. It was so encouraging...a true Holy Spirit moment. I truly felt like God was saying, "I got you, man!"
It was beautiful.
As I was driving home, I decided to stop at the McDonald's drive thru for a drink. A young man was working the window and he handed me my order. I was immediately struck by how nice this young man was. He had a great big smile. And I don't know what it was, but I was really impressed by his positive approach to his job. I pulled away and began to enjoy my tasty Hi-C beverage.
But as I drove down the street the Holy Spirit began to speak directly to my heart. It wasn't an audible voice or anything like that, but it was a definite tugging on my shirt to do something. "Turn around and go back to that drive thru. Tell that young man some encouraging words."
At first I didn't know what to do. Was I seriously about to turn around and go back to the drive thru window? I would look like a crazy person. But again, I felt like God was saying, "You don't know what that young man is going through right now. Go and encourage him!"
So I went back to McDonald's.
I pulled up to the window and the young man was still there. The conversation went like this...
Me: Hey buddy, what's your name?
Him: It's Mike (not really, but we'll call him Mike)
Me: Well Mike, I just came through here a few minutes ago and God put something on my heart that I believe He wants you to know. You're a good guy! The way you had a smile on your face and were so positive and nice to me. You really brightened my day, Mike. I want to thank you and I wish you the best day!
Mike: Hey, thank you man. I appreciate that!
I drove away.
I don't know why God had me do that...but I know in my heart that God wanted that young man to know that about himself. Maybe he was carrying a burden that I don't know about and he needed some encouragement. I don't know, but God knows.
I share this story with you because I am thankful for the tugging on my heart that the Holy Spirit does. Today has been filled with it. And I believe there is a connection between all of the God moments that I had today. They all culminated in me meeting Mike and sharing with him something that God wanted him to know. I believe there are times when God puts it on our hearts to do things like this, and all too often we just keep on driving. Don't do that. Turn around if you have to. BE willing to BE used!
The more we can be an encouragement to one another, the better...
Josh
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