“But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.” (John 15:26-27, KJV)
We had guests from abroad who are devoted followers of Christ and dedicated laborers of a church in prayer and worship. We welcomed them and hoped that they would have some rest, encouragement and refreshment in the Lord.
They came to the grocery store with us because they wanted some particular foods. We had to pick up some of these items to make dinner for them. They enjoyed looking around the store and seeing the people.
I was in a hurry because dinner time was soon, and I wanted to get everything prepared. I got the items very quickly and got into the cashier line to purchase them.
As I was about to grab the sack in which the cashier had placed the groceries, a young man behind the counter caught my attention, because he had the features and accent of one from a country in which I was very much interested. I looked at his nametag. It read a biblical name, but in Spanish. “Oh Lord, I don’t have time to talk with this young man about You or where he is from. Our guests are waiting,” I whispered.
As the young man spoke to the cashier next to him, his accent was too beautiful to ignore. I quickly asked, “Where are you from?” Before he answered, he walked right in front me. His face was so close to mine. I didn’t know what to say. “Ah … have you heard of Jesus where you are from?” I quickly asked, thinking, “I’ve got to run.” I didn’t expect him to answer much. But, when he looked into my eyes, I had no out. That question had caught his attention.
“No,” he said, searching my eyes.
“Would you like to know him?” I asked in a rush.
“Yes,” he replied, still looking deeply into my eyes.
“Let’s pray,” I spluttered out. He was tall, so I had to look up into his searching eyes. He was ready. Our guests were standing close and waiting, but observing very closely. In a moment, the young man and I prayed. He prayed for God to forgive him of his sins and asked Jesus to be his personal Saviour, giving his life to Him at His cross for His glory.
Now my heart slowed down. I looked at him deeply and seriously thinking, “This was so fast.” Smiling, with so much joy in eyes that were no longer searching but were steady and gleaming with light, he thanked me with a big smile. It was as if we had known each other already. The Spirit of God bearing witness of Christ in both of us.
I grabbed my bag of groceries. Both of us were smiling. Our friends watching grew silent. “Yes, he is saved now.” I told them. Still silent, they walked with us to the car, marveling at God’s work. “Yes, this happens a lot when I don’t expect it. I was trying to hurry, but Jesus was at work for one whom the Father had chosen to know Him.” In a hurry or not, the Spirit of God is always at work after a soul for Jesus. It is not us. It’s Jesus!
“Abba, Father, I was in such a hurry. I had no time to think of talking about Your Son. But, Jesus, this young man was so ready. I didn’t have to say anything. Your Holy Spirit was at work. In the seconds of the moments, this soul was saved. It is the Holy Spirit testifying of You, Lord, my God. So many times, Lord, I don’t know what to say or if I should anything. But, it is Your Holy Spirit who tells about You. He knows what to say. Jesus, may our guests be encouraged to talk about You to the people around them where they live. How every second counts for the souls whom You, God take out of the hand of the enemy and place in the hands of Your Son, our loving Saviour, Jesus!”