“Can we just go to another gas station?” I sighed in frustration.
We’d been waiting in line for a while, all the pumps were occupied, and the driver ahead of us was just sitting in their car—not even bothering to fill up. I was growing increasingly annoyed because… What was this person doing? Can’t they see we are behind them?
“Come on, Papa! Let’s go!” The kids yelled in the back.
“Just wait a few minutes,” My husband said patiently.
As more time passed with no luck, my husband got out and approached the car. I could see him tap on the window and try to get the driver’s attention. At first, the lady looked like she wasn’t going to open the door. I could see her put up her hand as if to motion, “I’m ok, give me a second.”
This went on for a while until, at last, she opened the door and slowly stepped out. I could see them talking – she looked to be in her fifties. Even from a distance, I noticed her begin to cry as their conversation unfolded. Suddenly, the irritation I had felt earlier gave way to guilt. Clearly this woman needed help.
Why was I in such a hurry anyway?
“I bet Papa is going to pray with her,” My son said.
“Yea and tell her about God. We have the best Papa.” My daughter chimed in.
Sure enough, he started to pray over her and then proceeded to fill up her tank with gas. The lady looked in our direction and smiled with tears still in her eyes.
I watched her repeatedly say “Thank you, thank you” and drive off slowly.
When my husband got back in the car, he explained how she didn’t want help at first – how she kept saying, “Give me a minute, I can find some money.” But he kept persisting, let me help you. Finally, she got out of the car and explained she had left an abusive situation and didn’t have much money – but starts her new job tomorrow. When he said he would help, she was overcome by emotion. He prayed with her and invited her to a local church nearby, telling her about the food pantry and other resources.
This occurrence wasn’t something new – he had done this numerous times before. But this moment felt different.
What struck me most was my kids’ reaction. They weren’t surprised. They expected their dad to pray and share God’s love with the stranger.
And there I was – front row seat to God using my husband reach someone in need, while modeling love in action to our children (and myself).
It made me pause.
How often do we respond like I did- more concerned with convenience rather than compassion?
God calls (expects) us to be His hands and feet in the world, yet we’re often so wrapped up in our own lives that we fail to notice those around us who are hurting.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22 NIV)
Faith isn’t just about knowing:
It’s about doing.
It’s about showing up even when it’s uncomfortable.
It’s about choosing compassion over convenience.
It’s about speaking up for what’s right.
It’s about choosing people over our plans.
This week let’s pray for God to send someone in our path that has a need.
Let’s say “yes” to being used by Him! The world desperately needs to see Jesus.
