13. Surprises and Blessings: The Joy of Sharing Christ

Introduction

When we engage in sharing the message of Christ, we often ask the Holy Spirit to guide us to those whom He has in mind. But sometimes, amid our efforts, God surprises us by turning a "sharing opportunity" into a blessing for ourselves. In this blog post, we will explore a personal experience that demonstrates how sharing Christ can bring unexpected blessings and remind us of God's faithfulness.

A Surprising Encounter

Late April/early May, I found myself confined indoors due to allergies. Seeking something productive to do, I decided to change the oil in my Toyota. As I put on a mask to alleviate my breathing difficulties, I discovered that the car was too low for me to use my jack stands effectively. Frustrated, I reluctantly sought out an oil change place that could perform the task at a reasonable price.

Divine Appointments

Little did I know that this seemingly mundane task would turn into a divine appointment orchestrated by the Holy Spirit. At the oil change place in Noblesville, two young men were working on my car. While they worked, I took a brief break and walked to McDonald's to grab a coffee. Upon my return, the young manager was ringing me out, and I decided to strike up a conversation.

Seizing the Opportunity

I asked the manager how his day was going, and he responded with a simple "pretty good." Sensing an opening, I asked if he wanted it to go even better. Intrigued, he replied with an affirmative "sure!" This led to a conversation about Jesus, where I asked him about the commandments he had broken and how he envisioned his eternal destination.

Unexpected Confessions

To my surprise, he confidently proclaimed that he believed he was going to heaven. He eloquently shared how he was saved by grace and expressed a deep understanding of his faith. As the conversation unfolded, one of his co-workers sitting in the waiting room chimed in, declaring that he, too, was saved. This young man revealed how the Holy Spirit had transformed his life, helping him break free from swearing and prompting him to reconsider marking his body with tattoos.

A Blessed Experience

It was a remarkable moment witnessing these two individuals, who had been working side by side for months, realizing that they were both Christians. I asked if we could pray together, and they readily agreed. It was a truly blessed experience for me, witnessing the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Receiving Unexpected Blessings

The encounter served as a powerful reminder that sharing Christ not only blesses others but also brings blessings back to us. Through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, this specific interaction became an encouragement for me. God's faithfulness was evident as He showed me that my efforts to bless others had, in turn, become a source of blessing for myself.

Expressing Gratitude and Encouragement

The following day, I decided to express my gratitude to these young men. I presented each of them with a Subway gift card and a heartfelt thank you card. In the note, I conveyed how wonderful it had been to be blessed by their faith and encouraged them to continue their journey with Jesus. This act of gratitude and encouragement was a small way for me to express my appreciation for the profound impact they had on me.

Conclusion

Sharing Christ is not solely about fulfilling a duty or reaching out to others; it is also about opening ourselves up to the unexpected blessings and surprises God has in store for us. The Holy Spirit orchestrates divine appointments, turning ordinary encounters into extraordinary moments. As we remain open to His leading, we discover that the joy of sharing Christ often comes back to us in beautiful and unexpected ways. Let us be attentive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and embrace the blessings that come with sharing Christ with others.

Psalms 37:23 “The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;”