I was in a hurry and needed to grab lunch before my next meeting. I passed a Burger King on a nearby corner. I had been trying to avoid fried foods and hadn’t eaten fast-food in ages. Well, nothing like a Whopper and a Diet Coke! I got my order and pulled over to a shady area to quickly eat the burger before my meeting. That’s when I saw her. A nicely dressed older woman shuffling slowly along the sidewalk pushing her chair. It wasn’t a wheelchair exactly—more of a combination walker/chair with small wheels. She slowly made her way into the parking lot and settled under the shade of a nearby tree. She got comfortable in her spot and began reading a book. I quickly downed the rest of my Whopper. But as I was preparing to leave, I glanced over at the woman. The thought quietly came to me—I wonder if she’s hungry? I sensed the Lord’s nudge. “Give her the $20 bill in your wallet.” Cars were whizzing by in the drive thru line. How could I get to her? I prayed, “Lord, if you want me to give her this $20, you’ll have to calm this traffic down. Suddenly there was a lull. I had a clear path, so I hopped out of my car and walked over to where the woman was seated. I didn’t want to embarrass her. But I needn’t have worried when I saw her calm dignity and alert smile. “Maybe you can use this for a meal,” I said quietly, handing her the $20 and pausing to look into her eyes. “I think the Lord just whispered to me to give it to you,” I kind of shrugged and smiled...then pointed heavenward. “Oh yes,” she smiled back. “I know how God works. And I know all about listening to His voice.” Then she sort of winked. “And trust me” she added, “I know faith makes things happen.” My window was still rolled down as I slowly drove out of the parking lot. Suddenly, I overheard her strong voice in prayer, “Father God, I knew You would come through for me. I just KNEW You could do this. Thank you, Father God! Thank you!” She didn’t know I heard her prayer, or that I saw her raise her hands and tap her feet in childlike praise. This moment was between her and the Lord. I was just thankful to be an eavesdropper on their conversation. And I’ll always remember the unexpectedly beautiful moment that blessed us both at Burger King. A few ways to “always be ready:”
Become familiar with the Lord’s voice through prayer and reading His Word.
When the Holy Spirit speaks, follow His prompting. Pray for guidance.
Be prepared with cash or gift cards to use as the Lord nudges you.
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