By Dee Coroneos
Our daily lives are filled with responsibilities, challenges, and obligations, leaving us weary and spent at the end of each day. The Lord will provide many opportunities for us to encourage, witness, lift up in prayer, or offer a shoulder to someone in need. Are we willing to interrupt our busy schedules and take the time to reach out to someone in our family, a friend, a stranger?

My prayer has been to be aware when the Holy Spirit taps me on the shoulder, prompting me to stop, and redirect my attention to anyone He points me to. I keep a tight schedule and I used to cringe and groan when inconvenienced or sidetracked by someone in need at the “wrong” moment. The Lord worked on my heart through the years, convicting me with teachings I’d listen to, and meditating on scripture.

I started praying, I would be ready and willing when the Holy Spirit brought someone to my path, in need of an encouraging word, a gesture pointing them to Jesus. I’m so grateful for these opportunities, knowing and believing they’re God moments. 

1 Peter 3:15—Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect

Allow me to tell you about a Friday afternoon, and how the Lord used a few moments of my time to bring hope to a stranger. After a long day of classes with my overactive, chatty preschoolers whom I dearly love, I was physically and mentally spent, and couldn’t wait to pick up a few groceries and rush home. The checkout line was empty, and I was relieved I’d be on my way soon, when the man behind the register noticed the double cross around my neck. He admired it, and commented how unusual it was with one cross behind the other. My flesh wanted to reply a polite “thank you” and move on, but I felt the Lord saying—“this is your God moment.” 

I told him I chose the double cross because of its significance of Jesus carrying His cross, and myself behind him, carrying mine. His eyes lit up, and he thanked me for such beautiful visual. He started telling me how hard it is for him to be surrounded by complaining colleagues, and tough stories. He said how disheartening it is to hear the grumbling and the disappointments, and not knowing how to respond. I told him to pray for his co-workers, to encourage them whenever possible, and above all, to point them to God. Until we reach out to Him and start a relationship with Him, there will always be an empty space in our heart that God can only fill. As the shoppers started lining up behind me, he smiled and thanked me for bringing light into his day. I could see him still smiling as I walked away, and I was grateful I took the opportunity the Lord placed on my path.

2 Corinthians 1:4—He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

I felt the weariness of the day leaving me, and my heart filled with gratitude as I left the market refreshed, thanking God for the opportunity to encourage, and give hope to this man. It’s so exciting to see God at work, when we’re obedient and willing to make the time. 

Our unwillingness to be inconvenienced can even be present while working for the Lord, whether building ministry, or church. We can be so busy doing God’s work, making no time to lend an ear or a shoulder to someone in need. We are Jesus’ hands and feet, and our responsibility is to take a step back when prompted, and share the hope we have in Him with others. 

Are we willing to have our busy schedule interrupted, or even miss an appointment to give our full attention to someone who’s hurting? When the Holy Spirit prompts us to take action and we don’t respond, we grieve and disappoint Him.

In this season of gratitude, let’s be grateful for the Godly interruptions that can make us shine for Jesus, bringing blessings to others in need.

1 Thessalonians 5:11—Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.