trbccoffeebreak

“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:11 (NIV)

The tell-tale sign of Christmas – my children rattling off their most treasured desires.  In an attempt to quiet the fury of flesh, I ask my children to make a list. Perhaps it’s the size of the link that shows the path to the objects of need, but the list seems awfully long.  So too the list of my needs, or so I call them, as I petition the Lord to favor me at every turn.

Last year, I felt honored when asked to be a friend’s accountability partner.  Over tea, she told me of her promotion to full-time with benefits, the car given to her, and her children who were progressing beyond that of the average student.  She wondered if she was on the right track with God.  Seemed like God found pleasure in her progress!  As I left the restaurant, I could feel a need to be with God.  But first, a stop at the grocery store.

Kroger was my destination and mayonnaise was my need.  As I stopped in front of the sixty or so selections, a lady came up who seemed equally overwhelmed at the choices.  Pleasantries turned into conversation regarding much of her life, its challenges and disappointments.  I was blessed with many opportunities to re-direct her assumptions of her world  to the Lord of all truth.  Eventually, I wished her well and remembered a dear mentor who assured me that God could use me anywhere.

Before the Lord, I unpacked the events that had just transpired.  And I lamented at how much the Lord was doing in someone else’s life, but not mine.  I had been on a focused posture of healing for months.  No one had placed on my plate any recognizable sign of God’s pleasure.  But, in the stillness of the moments that followed comparison and complaining, my Father spoke, saying, “If you had need of it, I would have given it to you.”

I did not need a new vehicle, or company benefits or superstar children.  I can only presume this is what my friend needed.  What I did need, desperately, was an opportunity to be available to one of God’s children, to listen supportively and to know that God can use me anywhere, even in the mayonnaise aisle.  This is what I needed and this is what He gave.

“Father, Your love knows no bounds.  You take care of Your children so beautifully.  May we trust in Your provision and care.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life