9. Embracing Divine Opportunities: The Accidental Street Preacher

Sometimes, in the most unexpected moments, we find ourselves becoming messengers of God's truth. In this blog post, I want to share a personal experience of being an accidental street preacher in a home improvement store. As I encountered a passionate conversation about Halloween and societal issues, I felt compelled to provide a different perspective rooted in faith. This unexpected opportunity allowed me to share the importance of returning to God and embracing His peace and salvation. Let us be encouraged to seize such divine moments and boldly proclaim the good news to those around us.

A Chance Encounter

While going about my day in a bustling home improvement store, I couldn't help but wonder who I would have an opportunity to talk to about Jesus. As a landlord, I had spent many meaningful moments in such settings. Eventually, I reached the checkout counter, where two clerks were engaged in a fervent discussion about Halloween and the fear of tainted candy containing substances like Fentanyl. Their voices grew louder, and I found myself waiting in line, contemplating how I could bring Christ into this conversation.

Sharing a Different Perspective

Knowing one of the clerks from previous interactions, I remembered that she might not have been pleased with my Christmas card distribution that included Christian tracts and gift cards. However, the thought of Jesus was on my mind. Without being fully aware of my surroundings, I interjected, "Ladies, let me offer a different perspective. When I was a child, cities were safe, and we played outside in our pajamas without fear of tainted Halloween candy. My mom controlled our candy consumption by freezing it in coffee cans. We have more police officers than ever before, yet the problems persist. Perhaps, for years, we have been distancing ourselves from Jesus, and we are surprised that the world is no longer safe. We need to get right with God."

An Unexpected Audience

As I shared my viewpoint, I glanced up and realized that a crowd of waiting customers had gathered, attentively listening to our conversation. In that moment, I recognized the divine opportunity I had been given. Though I may have rambled on, I knew that all glory belonged to God.

Embracing Divine Opportunities

Isaiah 52:7 beautifully describes the feet of messengers who bring good news, peace, and salvation. In this accidental street preaching moment, I experienced the truth of this passage. The unexpected encounter provided me with an opportunity to boldly proclaim the gospel and challenge the prevailing societal narrative. Let us be open to such divine appointments in our own lives, willing to share the good news of Jesus and the transformative power of His reign.

Conclusion

As believers, we must be open to unexpected moments when we are called to be messengers of God's truth. The story of my accidental street preaching in a home improvement store reminds us that divine opportunities can arise in any setting. By sharing a different perspective rooted in faith, we can challenge societal norms and invite others to return to God. Let us embrace these moments with courage, knowing that our role as messengers of peace and salvation brings beauty to the world around us. May we always be attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, ready to share the good news of Jesus wherever we go.

Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!” NLT