“Is this thing you’re talking about a new religion?” he asked. “No sir, this is a relationship it’s different than a religion,” we said.
“Interesting…so what is this relationship with Jesus thing?” he said.
In a way, I was startled when a complete stranger approached my friend and I literally in the middle of us grocery shopping to ask this.
Our plan was to go into the grocery store, get what we need, and get home. Not stop and talk, but but God had other plans…an interruption in our plans but HIS plans were far better than our own.
Truth is, I’ve been praying for at least one spiritual conversation with the locals but the majority of people here speak Spanish. Unfortunately, I know only a little Spanish…but the Lord answered that prayer.
His name was “Mr. Danny,” he was born in the United States, but was now living in Panama for work. He was curious as to why we were here in Panama. We explained that we are traveling to share the love of Jesus with the world.
He asked who Jesus was and what He was about. That’s when we got to share what relationship with Jesus was. He was interested and said “well I believe in God so… I guess that’s good.”
“Sure it is good but there is SO much more than just believing in God, a relationship with Jesus will change your life,” we explained.
The conversation continued and we left him with a challenge to ask Jesus to reveal Himself to him if he never did it before. We prayed with him in the grocery store and he agreed to accept our challenge.
The coolest thing about this story is that God can do the SAME thing in a grocery store in America. We didn’t have to come to Panama to see this happen. God is working everywhere and inviting us to be apart of His work.
Some of God’s greatest invitations will show up as interruptions.
But, we have to be ready and willing to accept the interruptions.
Are you ready for them?
Scripture says:
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. 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,”
(1 Peter 3:15)
Regardless of our plans, let’s be ready to embrace the interruptions God has in store for us to share the hope of Christ.
