Luke 23:26
Whipping into a parking space I hurried toward my destination. It was a quick errand. A well dressed stranger stepped in front of me. Making an avoidance move, her question halted my progress, “Would you pray for me?” People came and went as we stood in the parking lot while she told me her story. I wasn’t sure how to respond so I promised to “keep her in my prayers.”
When Simon of Cyrene left his home early one morning he never anticipated that by the end of the day an unexpected request would seal his name in Christian history. A trip to Jerusalem had probably been planned for several months. He had made all the appropriate arrangements for his absence and was probably looking forward to the special events planned for the week. But, when he entered the gates he was caught in a hive of hostility with hands grabbing at his clothes and unexpectedly an immense weight was transferred from a condemned man to Simon’s shoulders. It was an unexpected request that would live with him the rest of his life.
The day I walked away from the “would you pray for me” request I was ashamed by my inaction. My scheduled day had excluded any possibility of a Holy Spirit interaction. I missed an opportunity to nourish a hungry heart. God, in His redemption, offered me another opportunity a few years later. Standing amidst a swarm of people the same unexpected request came again. This time I responded without hesitation and my life was changed.
Jesus, thank you for the gift of a new day.
With the rising of the sun You offer a “do over.”
Help me to schedule my day to allow for, as well as anticipate,
Holy Spirit moments.
Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment