For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love, serve one another.

~Galatians 5:13 ESV

As a new follower of Jesus, all I wanted was a relationship with Him and to serve Him wholeheartedly. I found books to read and music to penetrate my heart, and I joined a church for the first time. The one thing I hadn’t heard of was the teaching of the Holy Spirit. As with most new things in life, lessons come from experience, and that’s what God intended to give me. But I wasn’t prepared for lessons God’s way. 

While shopping at a popular retail store, I found some laser-inscribed crystal necklaces with a holographic picture of Jesus in them on the clearance aisle. I had two in my hand, but as I reached for the third one, a voice from behind said, “Oh those are beautiful!” I turned to see an employee–one I assumed was managerial from the way she was dressed.

“Aren’t they?” I replied.

She smiled and asked if she could look at one. I handed it to her. As I watched her gaze upon the necklace, I could tell how much she liked it. She handed it back to me and went about her business. I, too, left and purchased the necklaces.

In the car, I heard God whisper, “Give her one of the necklaces.”

I looked around, but no one else was in the car except my daughter, and she hadn’t said it. I realized God’s Spirit was telling me to go back inside and give one to the woman. Being new on my Jesus journey, I wasn’t comfortable giving a gift to someone I didn’t know. What would she think about a stranger handing her a gift for no reason? Nope, I couldn’t do it.

I turned the ignition, but the Holy Spirit kept nudging. I thought again about what I had heard, but my insecurities stopped me. One more time the Holy Spirit prodded me. I must have sat in my car for ten or fifteen minutes arguing with the Holy Spirit. Finally, I gave in. I returned inside and scanned the store. I found the employee. She stood with her back to me. I tapped her on the shoulder, and she whirled around.

“Here, this is for you,” I said, handing her the necklace.

She looked at it and then at me. Her look was as if someone had handed her a thousand dollars. With tears in her eyes, she hugged me and whispered, “Thank you so much.”

I thought about the struggle I had in the car, but her expression and receptiveness assured me God told her what I couldn’t: she was loved.

I left with a big smile on my face. Who knows what giving the necklace did for her, but God had a purpose. This experience brought me out of my comfort zone. The Holy Spirit gave me the courage to make someone happy whom I didn’t know.

So, the best part is that it opened the door to do more for others. Who knows how long it would have taken me to get out of my comfort zone and serve others with the love of God had I not followed the Holy Spirit’s nudging?

We will experience many times when we won’t know the whys of God’s actions. But all we need to know is God has a purpose for everything He does. All we must do is believe.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

~Matthew 5:16 ESV

God calls us to serve each other. Sometimes, it may seem hard if we’re not comfortable doing it. But God doesn’t call us to serve others to embarrass us or put us in a position to fail. He calls us for a purpose that we might help someone who’s sad or discouraged. We may never know the reason why, but God doesn’t call us if He doesn’t have a purpose. Lessons God’s way sometimes make us uncomfortable, but when we trust Him, He will teach us what we need to know.

Look for the lessons that God wants to teach you. 

Father, thank You for the lessons you teach me. Show me ways to demonstrate Your love to others. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: Lessons God’s Way: Sandra Stein: All Rights Reserved

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