Speaking When The Spirit Gives Opportunity – You Don’t Choose The Time Or The Place

You never know when God will bring someone across your path that needs a word of encouragement.  Yesterday we went to dinner with a friend.  The waitress was very attentive and friendly.  She commented on my sense of humor – which can have its plusses and minuses at times – but she seemed to appreciate it. It was then that she started talking about serving others – outside of the restaurant – and very often people did not seem to appreciate or value her efforts.  That sometimes people who serve need to be served themselves – but other people assume, since they serve, they don’t need help – encouragement – or even a word of gratitude.

Sound like a strange conversation to be having with a waitress?  Actually it was a revealing conversation with a young woman who happened to be a waitress.  I suspected that she was a believer and was interested to know so I asked her a question.  “Are you familiar with the story about Jesus and the lepers?”  (Luke 17:11-19) She said “Yes.” So I asked “How many of the 10 came back and thanked Jesus for his healing?”  She said “One.” Ok – now I knew that she was a student of the Word. That changed the whole context and direction of the conversation.  I couldspeak spiritual truth to her.

That opened the door for her to share about how she has drifted away from her faith and doesn’t read the Bible as much as she used to.  That discussion is a long way away from “What kind of dressing would you like on your salad?” I told her that we should not expect gratitude as the reward for our service to others.  If you use the example of the lepers – that will only happen 10% of the time.  So if gratitude is the reason you do for others – you won’t be “doing” for long.  

I asked he if she uses the internet – like duh! She is a millennial! Of course she does, so I gave her the web address to my BLOG and encouraged her to go there to be encouraged in the Faith.  

The point is that you never know when the Lord will bring someone across your path.  You will miss it if you are not ready for it.  Driving home, Martie commented that the Lord had orchestrated her serving us.  I believe that.  Are you ready to speak hope and encouragement into someone’s life? Do you think about where you are before you speak or do you keep in mind Whose you are when you speak? An Ambassador for Christ (1 Peter 3:15).  A witness (Acts 1:8).  A minister. (The I didn’t go to seminary type of minister) (2 Corinthians 5:18) Someone on a mission.  – Yes that would be you!  CHARLEY