Rerun of Daily Devotional February 6, 2017
Some friends had invited Shannon and me to stay for a week in Hilton Head, South Carolina. So, we made the two hard day’s drive to the Owner’s Club, unpacked, and quickly fell asleep.
The next day we were experiencing the sights of Hilton Head when my wonderful son-in-law, Mark, called with the good news that Caitlyn Su had gone into labor earlier than expected and Evelyn Grace was coming into the world. I was so excited I couldn’t stand it. We packed everything back up and the next morning started the drive back to Texas.
The drive home was long, tedious, and filled with stress. This is because it rained a great deal of the way, which made Shannon very uncomfortable. So, she supervised my driving – for two days. And for two days, I told her not to worry because even though I was going very fast in order to get to Texas as soon as possible, my cat-like reflexes would make sure we were safe and sound.
As we were rushing back to Texas, it was no longer a vacation but a mission to see Evelyn Grace. We stopped for food, gas, and stayed at a hotel for a few hours to get some sleep.
When we got to Monroe, Louisiana, it was time to eat a late lunch, but I did not want to go inside the restaurant. That would have eaten up valuable travel time. Being in a hurry, we pulled up to the drive-through, placed our order and then pulled up to the window to pay and take our food.
When we go to the window, I paid, and while they were putting our order together, I grabbed Shannon’s hand and said the prayer for our meal. This is because Shannon always frowns on my praying with my eyes closed when I am driving down the road.
When I opened my eyes, the young man at the drive-through window was holding our food with a big smile on his face. He said with a Cajun accent, “I love seeing that.” I said, “Gotta do it. Have a blessed day.” Then I took our order, and we were back on the road.
It wasn’t until later that I began to think about that moment at the drive-through window. Was this young man a Christian? Has anyone ever told him the good news of Jesus Christ? I do not know.
What I do know is that he saw a man and woman take a moment to give God thanks in a busy drive-through lane. There’s no telling how God will use that experience in his life. And the important thing to remember is that it is all God.
I did not know this young man would see us pray. I was too wrapped up in getting to a beautiful new grandbaby to think about telling someone else about the good news. But God made something happen that I did not anticipate or plan. He always does.
All God asks is that we remain faithful and do our part. God will take care of the heavy lifting.
This is what Paul meant when he said, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” (Philippians 2:13 NLT)
So, make yourself available to God and God will use you in ways you are not even aware of to bring others into the light of love. That’s why we are here.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, today I offer myself to be used in whatever fashion you choose. I will strive to do your will without hesitation or complaint. Give me the wisdom to see the opportunities you put in my path. Give me the desire to fulfill your plan for my life. Fill my heart with joy and compassion. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
God intends to use you to make a difference in the lives of others. And remember, if God can use me, then he truly is all-powerful.
By the way, did I tell you I have a new granddaughter? Her name is Evelyn Grace. I have only seen her in pictures, but we are about to have a face-to-face encounter. It is going to be one of the greatest moments of my life.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 