Friday, March 12, 2010
He is a God of Second Chances
When we first began the YBG initiative at Women's Bible Study I shared with a group of women that I "practiced" a couple of times to see how this would work. Before I printed the cards I prayed and asked God for opportunities and then I set out looking and listening. My first two attempts didn't go so well. For those of you who know me you know that I love to go to the grocery store because I have had a lot of fun with God in groceries stores. This particular day in January was one I will never forget. God found an elderly gentleman that I passed in an aisle and I was pretty sure that was who I would "gift" by buying his groceries. By the time I was done shopping I had totally forgotten the elderly gentleman until I rounded the corner to the check-out aisle. I was so pleased to see the elderly gentleman in front of me! As the gal at the cash register greeted him he responded in a very demanding and nasty tone of voice. She continued to be kind, he continued to be grumpy and got grumpier. I lost heart. He paid for his groceries and left. My heart was so heavy, I knew I missed out on an opportunity that I believe God ordained and I didn't follow through. Since then I have prayed and asked God for another opportunity. I go to that grocery store at least once a week and each week I pray again and look for him. Today was no different. I got to the final aisle, rounded the corner and there he was. I wish you could have seen my face, I gasped and said, "Oh, sweet Jesus, you are so good to me!" This elderly gentleman is easy to spot, he shuffles his feet and his left hand is tucked in his coat pocket. If I had to guess I might think he has had a stroke. Knowing I was going to pay for his groceries I couldn't help but take a quick peek in his little cart, 3 items, I can do three items! I figured he must have some more shopping to do so I ran ahead to get my last few items and then I waited. My heart was pounding as I saw him making his way, slowly, to the self-serve check-out aisle. He still had his 3 items, 2 pre-cut packages of fruit that were on clearance and 1 two liter bottle of soda. I couldn't help but think that was all he could afford. As he rang up his items I pulled up next to him and said, "Hi, I would like to buy your groceries." He asked why would I want to do that. I told him about being behind him several weeks ago and that God had really put it on my heart to buy his groceries but that I had chickened out. I chose not to tell him that it was because he was so grumpy!! I told him I have been praying ever since to see him again and have another chance. Anyway, he asked if I wanted to buy his groceries or anyone's groceries. I told him just his. He said he'd go back and buy the whole grocery store. He asked my name and I told him. Then I asked him his name, he said, "Jim." I finished the transaction, gave him one of my coupons for $10 off his next shopping trip and he extended his hand, we shook hands, he thanked me and away we went. I will be looking for Jim each time I go shopping and I look forward to some day buying a cart of food for him!! I had a lump in my throat for the rest of my shopping trip. I kept thanking God for my second chance. My second chance to bless someone else because of how he has blessed me. Whatever you might be going through, whatever you think you have failed at, please know we serve a God of second chances. Tell our big God that you are sorry and ask Him for another chance. Ask Him to help you. He longs for you to know Him more deeply and intimately, after all, you are His child and He loves you dearly!
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Last night I was the receipiant of "You've Been Gifted". A dear, dear friend dropped off on my front porch(and then ran) two books that we had talked about and she agreed to order for me but gifted me with them instead. One was "The Daily Walk Bible" and the other was the workbook for "Me Myself & Lies". We are in an neighborhood Bible Study together and recently discussed what our next study would be. I really wanted to do the "Me myself & Lies" study as it is pertinent to my life right now but other studies were chosen (all excellent studies). You see, I am struggling right now with physical, emotional, and financial problems which have caused me to have self-doubt in all phases of my life and my dear friend is aware of this. After our Bible Study she called me and said that she would love to do the "Me Myself & Lies" study with me. I can't tell you how joyful I felt (first time in a long time). After receiving this gift from the heart, I read the stories on this blog and was overwhelmed with emotion and thankfulness. Thankfulness to God and to my friend. I can't wait to do "You've Been Gifted" for someone. I know God will lead me in this endeavor. I truly have be blessed.
I am humbled to call First Baptist my church home and believe strongly in sharing the impact that was left on me today after receiving an envelope attached to my car, early this afternoon with a, “You’ve Been Gifted” card.
As I walk proudly in my faith through a very difficult season of my life - It seems that the closer I fix my eyes on the Lord, the more trials and tribulations arise around me. Romans 8:28, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” I am currently in a Bible Study on 2Timothy and have learned about the Apostle Paul’s trust and dependence upon the Lord. He knew that pain is temporary and because of that was able to keep an eternal perspective. In 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 Paul wrote, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
It is no question that God is using this time of hardship to refine me and draw my complete dependence on him. Yet, there are days that the emotional strain, weigh down the ability to keep my focus positive and I start to question when this season of pain and hardship will end? And then, before I even have a chance to linger in doubt He provides me with assurance of His Faithfulness and promises. Today, God spoke by sending an earthly angel not only to provide me what I needed, but to give me an opportunity to share what he’s been teaching me.
It is only in suffering that we can prove our commitment to God and grow in spirituality. God gives us each opportunity to allow him to be our refuge and strength by providing everything we need to endure this life. Scripture…prayer and worship…other Christians…the Hope of Eternal Life are tools that have given for each and every one of us to utilize.
As a Christian, I want to be at a place in my life where I can give, give and give more. So today I give back with my words and by continuing to walk Loud and Proud through my trials as a follower of Christ – shining his light bright in the midst of the darkness! Thank You for being there at a time when I needed to feel His continued presence in my life and for bringing Galatians 6:2 to Life today- "Bear one another's burdens." We should never allow another Christian to suffer alone through serious problems, if there is any way we can help.
Your Sister In Christ,
Kim
In early March, I was lucky enough to be apart of the "You've Been Gifted." I had a cat who had passed away in August and ever since then I had been looking for another one who liked dogs and other cats. Well that was beginning to be a very challenging feat. It is very rare to find a cat who enjoys both dogs and other cats. I was at the adoption center for the HELP agency and I was talking with one of the volunteers about what I was looking for. She had the perfect cat for me! He is about 5 years old and loves dogs so much that he thinks he is one! We set up an appointment for me to go meet this new kitty & of course it was love at first sight. When I went to fill out all the paperwork, she gave me the "You've been gifted" card and I got to bring this new kitty home for almost free!! I had the chance to rescue him and I took it. He's now in a forever home and is loving all the friends he has here!!
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