Have you ever had one of those unexpected God moments? It is something that you were never looking for, but inside you were yearning for. You were just going about your normal day, and then God drops it in your lap.
Yesterday I was at McDonald’s with two guys, Josh and Devon, that I am doing discipleship with. It was a normal Monday with the guys. We were going through scripture and eating fries, and then we met Erick. Erick had just gotten out of a same day release surgery, and was stranded in Fargo, with his home 2 hours away.
Seeing the Bibles laid out on the table, Erick asked what we were doing. After talking to him about Jesus and the Gospel Erick immediately asked to be baptized. Once we talked to him a little bit longer we found out we had the privilege of reaping a harvest that someone else had sewn earlier.
Then the question became, where do we go? At first we thought a church. But could not find a pastor. Then we thought the River? But did not have a change of clothes. Finally, we went decided to go the house where I live. Luckily, the Pastor I live with was home.
After talking with Pastor Dave a little bit, and being insistent on getting baptized before he went home we decided to baptize him in the tub. So, we gave a change of clothes. Pastor’s Dave wife (Mary) got the camera. We led him through a prayer, and then Dave, right in the bath tub, baptized him in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – from death in sin to life in Jesus Christ!
Then we began the long ride home to drop him off in his home town in Thief River Falls. On the way, home he could not stop smiling. He was a changed man. He talked about the weight of what he did wrong in the past being lifted. Then with my phone he began calling his family and friends, and talking to them about his baptism, and what God had done for him. He was sharing his faith, literally within minutes of being baptized! He was a witness for Jesus Christ!
Now he is home. He has a bible. He is getting connected with a church, and keeping in contact with us. He is starting a new life and has vision. He wants become a counselor to help kids through the rough situations that he has been through. Soon he will get his baptism pictures, so that he can always remember and celebrate the day where we was reborn from death to life.
We were never expecting it! But, God had it planned. Now looking back at that day it makes me beg the question. Am I ready? Am I willing? Am I ready and willing for God’s interventions? Am I ready and willing for God to change my schedule? I was this time, but is there any point in my schedule where I am too busy and focused that I miss God’s plan and gifts? If so, that needs to change. I could have missed Erick, and he could still be in Fargo, and struggling with the weight of his sin. Thank God that did not happen!
Have you had any of these moments? If so, leave a comment and share your story. Would you encourage us with God’s unexpected surprise in your life?
How privileged we are to be the recipient of God’s surprises in our life?!
