7. Starting Each Day with God's Agenda: Embracing Divine Encounters
When we surrender our daily plans to God and seek His agenda, we open ourselves up to incredible opportunities to share His love and truth with others. In this blog post, I want to emphasize the importance of beginning each day with God's agenda in mind. I will share two recent encounters at popular fast-food restaurants where I had the chance to engage with believers and spread the message of Christ through a simple gesture. These encounters highlight the joy and fulfillment that come from aligning our lives with God's purpose and being receptive to His leading.
Divine Appointments at Cane's and Jimmy John's
One day, my wife and I decided to have lunch at Cane's, a well-known fast-food chain. As we enjoyed our meal, we were pleasantly surprised when the young manager offered us an extra lunch. Sensing an opportunity, I took out a $1,000,000 bill (a gospel tract) and engaged in a brief conversation with the manager. It became evident that he was a believer, so I asked if I could provide one for each of his employees. With enthusiasm, he agreed, assuring me that his employees were under no obligation to read or believe it. This exchange filled my heart with joy, knowing that seeds of faith were being sown among those who would encounter these tracts.
Similarly, during a previous week, my experience at Jimmy John's was equally rewarding. As I approached the counter, I noticed a young man wearing a cross necklace. Intrigued, I asked him about its significance. His response warmed my heart—he proudly declared, "I'm a follower of Jesus." Excited by this encounter, I offered him a $1,000,000 bill. However, realizing that he was not in a position of authority, I suggested giving one to each of his fellow employees. He seemed a bit shy about taking on this responsibility, so I playfully told him to attribute it to the "old man" (referring to myself) who asked him to distribute the tracts. The idea delighted him, and we both shared a moment of joy in spreading the love of Christ to others.
Embracing Divine Encounters
By starting each day with God's agenda rather than solely pursuing our own plans, we open ourselves up to divine encounters that can have a lasting impact. These encounters may seem small or insignificant, but they offer an opportunity to be vessels of God's love and truth. Whether it's through a simple conversation, an act of kindness, or the sharing of gospel tracts, we have the privilege of participating in God's work and extending His love to those around us.
Conclusion
As we prioritize God's agenda each day, we become more attuned to His leading and the opportunities He places in our path. The encounters at Cane's and Jimmy John's remind us that sharing our faith can be as simple as offering a tract or engaging in a conversation about Jesus. These small gestures, fueled by obedience and love, have the potential to impact lives and spread the message of salvation. Let us commit to seeking God's agenda, embracing divine encounters, and faithfully sharing His love with those we encounter each day. May our lives reflect the joy and fulfillment found in aligning ourselves with God's purpose and being vessels of His grace.
*Note: The "$1,000,000 bill" refers to a gospel tract designed to resemble a large currency note, commonly used for evangelism purposes.