Hello, my brothers and sisters in Christ! I greet you with love and affection. I just want to share a little testimony of God's grace and the working of that still, small Voice.
My husband works nights and weekends. Two days ago, on Saturday, while he was working, he asked me to take our three children (one is only five months old) and drive to the other side of town to purchase something. The store he wanted me to visit was having a sale on that day only, so I would have to go while he was at work.
I loaded our family into the car and made the trek. My baby cried almost the whole way. My other son was very tired and a little bit sick. He was cranky. When I got to the store, I was already frustrated. When we went inside, the item my husband had asked me to purchase was going to cost much more than we initially thought. I called him at work, and he told me not to get it. My nerves were on edge, and my older son was crying and cranky.
I was about to leave the store when I saw a rack of long skirts on sale. That certainly isn't an everyday finding, so I went over to look and was grateful to find two that would fit me. I took them to the register to check out. The cashier was a kind woman from India. She asked me, "You only wear skirts?" I said, "Yes, only skirts and dresses." She then asked me if I was traditional or old-fashioned. I knew she was asking about my beliefs. I told her that I believe the Bible and that "old-fashioned" Christianity is an accurate description (I just kept thinking of the song "Old-Time Religion"). I have a picture of Hoffman's head of Christ in my wallet. When I opened my wallet to pay, she pointed and said, "Is that, Jesus?" To which I responded, "Yes, I take Him with me wherever I go!" I paid, thanked her, and walked out to the car with my children behind me.
The moment I pulled my keys out, I had a feeling of immense shame fall over me. Why had I not witnessed to that woman? Why had I not told her more? That still, small voice was speaking to my heart, but by this time, it felt like a strong urge. My children were so tired, but I turned around and walked right back into the store, where I opened my wallet again, this time producing a witnessing card. I gave it to the woman and encouraged her to read about it since she had seemed interested. She was gracious. When I got back in the car, it occurred to me that maybe that woman was the reason for my trip.
Here I was irritated and tired with children fussing. I didn't even purchase the item I had come for! But the Lord had spoken to my heart in that parking lot, and I believe He wanted me to be a witness to that woman. All the difficulty of going was just the enemy trying to keep me away! On the way home, I prayed in my heart that the Lord would work His will. I'm thankful to Him for this Message and His infinite grace and wisdom. I'm not always the witness I should be, but I have prayed about this, and He gave me the opportunity to do something for Him. Thank you, Jesus! Lastly, I'd like to encourage my sisters in Christ. We may look different from modern women, but in this I give thanks! It gives me an opportunity to stand for my faith and represent this Message in an outward, physical way - even when I don't realize it!
Sister Ashley