Would $5 help?
Kathy felt thrilled to be part of a women's missional community. Jesus showed her that she was chosen, just like one of the disciples. Her calling was to spread the Good News. She felt excited and a bit scared. Could she make a real difference? Her community called it living missionally. She wondered, what does that look like for me? The group had discussed the work of the Holy Spirit and how he directs us as we seek to live our stories to demonstrate Jesus to the community. Kathy wanted to hear from him and discover how to live her story.
One day she made a trip to the bank in a local grocery store to deposit some checks. As she walked away from the counter she "heard" a voice say, "would five dollars help?" Kathy looked around to see who was talking but saw no one. She continued on her way out of the store. As she stepped outside she heard someone ask her the same question again, "would five dollars help?" She again looked around but saw no one. Confused she continued to her car.
She heard the words again, "would five dollars help?" As she reached her car she notice a young man in his early 20s pacing in front of the grocery store near her parking spot. It made her nervous so she quickly got in her car. She noticed he was clutching a two liter soda bottle filled with water. He seemed uncomfortable as he paced. As she closed her car door, feeling safe in the enclosed space, she again her the words, "would five dollars help?"
Now she knew that it was the Holy Spirit speaking to her but what did he mean? She noticed the young man again. He was the only other person around and he made her feel a bit scared. She looked in her purse unsure she even had five dollars since she normally didn't carry any cash. Surprisingly she had exactly five dollars!
The voice of the Holy Spirit
She decided to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and not give in to fear. After starting her car, she approached the young man and rolled down her car window. Apprenhensively she said, "Would five dollars help?" The young man's face lit up. He put his hand over his heart and said, "May God bless you. Yes it would. I am so hungry. I will get some food."
Kathy gave him the five dollars and drove away delighted. The Holy Spirit had spoken to her and used her. The young man was able to get some food but she had experienced God in action. She told the Holy Spirit she wanted to hear from him at least once a week. The next Wednesday she told her group the story and they celebrated with her. She continues to tell her story and listen for the voice of the Spirit.
What a great story! It is such a gift to be able to discern the Holy Spirit above the clamor of our busy lives. Kudos to Kathy for facing her fear and being obedient.
Posted by: Ardis | 10/22/2012 at 09:29 AM