As part of training for this world missions trip, we were asked to share a brief story of when God called us to to do something radical. Here is my story…
“Can I ask you a question?”
I was completely caught off guard by a voice that seemed to almost echo through a realm other than the noisy Toronto shopping centre. I thought for sure I had just heard the audible voice of God, but to my dismay there was simply a strange man standing to my left. The expression on my face provoked him to repeat himself and as I was caught up in this fleeting moment, I agreed.
His question… “Are your nails real?” ?!?!
Rewind a minute… my friend and I were window shopping together while visiting the busy city of Toronto in Jan. ’07. Little did I know that I was about to play an integral part in an ageless love story.
“My nails? Yeah, they’re real…”
“Then can I show you something?” Before I was able to really clue in to what was going on, I walked right into the sales pitch of a young Jewish man attempting to sell finger nail products! While vigorously rubbing a foam block over my nails, he began to explain that this block thingy could make my nails sparkle. I tried to explain that I really don’t care that much about the appearance of my nails, my sentence being cut short by the shocking results of my nails! It really worked! Under the strategically placed lighting, my nails sparkled like diamonds! I quickly realigned my thinking, declined the outrageous offer of $50 a kit, and tried to walk away. It was next to impossible. I could feel something happening d
eep within me, did I simply feel bad about walking away from this hardworking man, not helping him out in life? Honestly, no, I’ve walked away plenty of times without looking back. Was I being drawn into impulse buying? He was starting to lower the price and all. No… I started to hear from this feeling, if God can speak without words this is what it was like. No voice, no visionary art of compiled words, but an understanding that I am being encouraged to buy this product, not for my sake but for this man’s, and if I didn’t, the spirit of God within me would be grieved. It was a heavy feeling, especially because I really didn’t have much money to my name at all. I made the quick decision to risk it all and walk out the faith I often claim that I have.
While paying for the product, the three of us were thrown into a whirlwind of a conversation. We learned that this Jewish man could hardly believe that God would want anything to do with him personally. We were given the opportunity to tell him of God’s unfailing love for Israel, all that He has done for His people and of His incredible saving grace. We gave testimony of forgiveness in our own lives that lead us to freedom in Christ Jesus. Not only had his ears heard what we were sharing with him, but I could tell his heart was beginning to perceive. Jaw dropped, eyes wide, he hung on every word. 20 minutes later, we prayed together in the centre of a bustling Toronto shopping mall. We all became aware of an indescribable bond, and the glory of God seemed to almost shine around us as we exchanged hugs and departed.
When I think back to this blip of time in my life, I realize the significance of it all. It really had nothing to do with me, or my life, but I witnessed God stepping down to eye level for the sake of His Beloved. This was a radical event in my life because I am not the type of person who would buy unnecessary beauty products, and I often ignore the promptings that I feel deep within, brushing them off as just a passing thought. But God is always speaking, I am beginning to understand my duty to be aware of His “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12), and act accordingly. At times it may mean spending my last dollar, or acting outrageously ridiculous in the eyes of this world, but if it brings someone closer to the heart of their heavenly Father, it’s worth every moment!
Can a “radical adventure” even be defined? I think everyone has their own definition. I even struggle with identifying my own. Experiences can simply become just another experience, depending on your interpretation of events. For further interpretations of what a “radical adventure” can look like, check out my friend, Meredith Dinsdale’s account of God showing up at a party, or Matt Snyder’s conclusion of God’s radical Grace.
