‘Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.” (1 Chronicles 29:11, KJV)
We were at Trader Joe’s, which is one of our weekly grocery stops. After placing our items in the cart, I looked at each of the cashiers and asked God, “Ok, God, which one of those are You after?”
I took a look at an African-American man who had just approached one of the counters. He started working with the customers, who lined up pretty quickly. Not that one, I sensed in my heart. I looked over to the counter in front of him. The man I saw was Caucasian. He was talking with one of the customers. That one, I sensed. But I was a little hesitant, due to wondering how things would go since it was so busy.
I rolled the cart to the counter. The man and the African-American man were talking to each other from one counter to the other, as the customers lined up one after the other.
I was not too sure how to start the conversation about Jesus. “Lord, help me,” I whispered. Next thing I know the African-American man had come to work with the Caucasian man. He was standing right in front of me and started to place our items in bags. He was tall and thin. He was full of life and energy. I looked into his eyes. They were joyful.
“How’d you get here so fast!?” I asked.
He smiled with excitement. “I’m everywhere.”
The other man said, “Yes, just like that, he is everywhere you turn; he is right by you.” He smiled. His eyes were blue and big. But they were empty. “The emptiness in his eyes is too strong. I don’t know if I can do this. But, he is in need of Jesus,” I thought.
“Well, it’s like that One who is always with you. You can’t take a turn without Him. He is everywhere you go, at your side. He never leaves. Do you know who He is?” I asked.
The Caucasian man asked, “Who is it?”
The African-American said, “That’s Jesus!” His eyes were glowing.
“Oh, do you know Him?” I asked.
“I know a lot about Him,” he said.
“That’s about Him, but do you know Him?” I just had to make sure.
“Yes, I sure do. He’s my man.”
The Caucasian man thought a moment. “He’s more than that.”
I responded, “That’s a good statement. “What is He?” Rolling his eyes, he jokingly said, “Santa Claus.”
Glancing at me, he thought for a moment. “He’s higher power.”
“He’s the Son of God, the Saviour of your soul. He died on the cross for you because he loves you. He’s the only way out of hell to heaven. Do you know Him?” I asked, looking into his eyes. He didn’t answer. He was in thought. “Would you like to know Him?” I asked.
“Well, I’m kind of okay.” He searched for words.
“Well, you have to ask Him to be your God. He is not forceful. He is gentle. All you have to do is talk with Him, just like you and I are talking right now,” I explained.
“I will do that.” He started to walk away, because his work shift was over. I didn’t know what to do. But out of my mouth came, “I’m going to help you talk with Him right now.” He had to walk closer to me to get around the counter. We both stood with our backs toward the wall. I said, “No one knows what we are talking about.” I quickly looked around. There were customers everywhere! Then, I looked straight into his eyes. They were wide open and empty. “This is how you pray. Pray with me.” He stared into my eyes. I was a little shaky, because I could sense his lost condition.
I started to pray. “Father,” I began. “Can you say that?”
His eyes were still staring into mine. He had a little trouble getting started. His lips were stuck together, as if he could not open his mouth. I looked into his eyes. Then, his lips began to unstick and he said, “Father.” He looked into my eyes to continue. That’s all it took! We prayed strong together as he believed in Jesus, received His love for him, repented of his sins, and gave his life to Him for His glory!
I said, “You are done!” He smiled with relief, excitement and joy in his eyes! We both looked at each other and smiled! Oh what joy—from empty and lost to found and full of joy! Glory!
“Abba, all was happening so fast, Father. I didn’t know what to do or how to get started to talk about Your Son. I was a little unsure. But, Jesus, You who have all power in Heaven and on earth, were right there! You were by the Caucasian man, by the African-American man, and by me—right in the midst of us. I needed Your help, and You sent the African-American man to help! This engaged the Caucasian man in the conversation about You. Had it not been for the African-American man who said that he knew You, the other man would have not felt as willing to talk about You. And Your Holy Spirit helped me to know what to say. He had arranged the timing and place for this man to now belong to You! He’s Yours for eternity, Lord! Worthy are You, Lamb of God, to receive all power, glory, honor and praise!”