Miracle at Wal-Mart
You never know when you're going to have a God moment, but today was my day! In all actuality, I've been praying He would show up this weekend, and that He did in an amazing way.
Today Rick and I had to make our usual Wal-Mart run. It's almost inevitable when we travel, that one of us - usually me, forgets to pack something. So, we picked up the items I needed and headed to the check out and then down the lane to the door.
"Hey, are you a cop?" The question directed to Rick, of course. A vision center employee named Ricky extended his hand and said, "Man, I want to say thank you for your service. You're a hero."
My man, a little embarrassed but grateful, stopped to say thank you and make the usual small talk. Ricky told us how he used to be a police chaplain for one of the local precincts, but he is also an evangelist.
Rick began to share with the man about the conference we are attending and our Badge of Hope Ministries. "Ahh, you're a true brother," he said. "Yes! Actually, Kristi will be speaking at the conference."
It was then that Ricky's attentions were drawn to me. "I want to tell you a story," he said. "I'm an evangelist and I'm kinda weird like that. Do you know what a speaker is?" Not sure where he was going with it, I shook my head no, then he went on to explain how a speaker is the mouthpiece of God. The stereo is God and the chord leading from the stereo to the speaker is Jesus. "Now the power source (plug) is the power of the Holy Ghost. You are going to be the speaker and speak loud and clear the message of God."
In awe of his analogy, I smiled and told him thank you and how much I appreciated his encouraging words.
It was then and there, in front of God and all Wal-Mart shoppers, that he placed his hand on my shoulder and began to pray over me. Rick and I were caught up in this huge God-ordained moment. The presence of Almighty Jehovah was clearly evident and I would not have been none too surprised if heavenly angels appeared singing the Alleluia chorus.
After Ricky's prayer of anointing, he told me that God was going to do great things in my life. That I was going to have a huge ministry and witness. "When are you speaking," he asked. "Tomorrow evening." "Where and what time? I'm coming."
After giving him the particulars and finding out we both know the same person who is in charge of the conference, we parted company and Rick and I walked to the car both elated and dazed. We had just somehow found ourselves caught up in a God smack and we were dripping wet with His love.
"You need to give him your books," Rick mumbled. Finding the car, I fumbled around in the trunk until I located two of my books and he found his patches and business cards. We quietly turned around and retreated back into Wal-Mart and back to the angel at the vision counter.
There he was...just as we left him. "Here's a couple books I wrote. I'd like you to have them or pass them on to a cop," I said. He thanked me and told me about how God had called him to ministry and to writing as well then said, "I am hearing so much about you from God right now. Your ministry is going to be huge. You are going to do great things for God." Turning to Rick, he said, "You're a lucky man." Rick agreed.
Walking back to the car once again, the awareness of the moment was palpable. God had answered my prayers by revealing His presence through a total stranger. Who else but the Lord could have orchestrated all of that?
This evening as I reflect, I cannot help but know that my heavenly daddy is already preparing the way. I am humbled and blessed!
Soli deo Gloria!
Kristi
Today Rick and I had to make our usual Wal-Mart run. It's almost inevitable when we travel, that one of us - usually me, forgets to pack something. So, we picked up the items I needed and headed to the check out and then down the lane to the door.
"Hey, are you a cop?" The question directed to Rick, of course. A vision center employee named Ricky extended his hand and said, "Man, I want to say thank you for your service. You're a hero."
My man, a little embarrassed but grateful, stopped to say thank you and make the usual small talk. Ricky told us how he used to be a police chaplain for one of the local precincts, but he is also an evangelist.
Rick began to share with the man about the conference we are attending and our Badge of Hope Ministries. "Ahh, you're a true brother," he said. "Yes! Actually, Kristi will be speaking at the conference."
It was then that Ricky's attentions were drawn to me. "I want to tell you a story," he said. "I'm an evangelist and I'm kinda weird like that. Do you know what a speaker is?" Not sure where he was going with it, I shook my head no, then he went on to explain how a speaker is the mouthpiece of God. The stereo is God and the chord leading from the stereo to the speaker is Jesus. "Now the power source (plug) is the power of the Holy Ghost. You are going to be the speaker and speak loud and clear the message of God."
In awe of his analogy, I smiled and told him thank you and how much I appreciated his encouraging words.
It was then and there, in front of God and all Wal-Mart shoppers, that he placed his hand on my shoulder and began to pray over me. Rick and I were caught up in this huge God-ordained moment. The presence of Almighty Jehovah was clearly evident and I would not have been none too surprised if heavenly angels appeared singing the Alleluia chorus.
After Ricky's prayer of anointing, he told me that God was going to do great things in my life. That I was going to have a huge ministry and witness. "When are you speaking," he asked. "Tomorrow evening." "Where and what time? I'm coming."
After giving him the particulars and finding out we both know the same person who is in charge of the conference, we parted company and Rick and I walked to the car both elated and dazed. We had just somehow found ourselves caught up in a God smack and we were dripping wet with His love.
"You need to give him your books," Rick mumbled. Finding the car, I fumbled around in the trunk until I located two of my books and he found his patches and business cards. We quietly turned around and retreated back into Wal-Mart and back to the angel at the vision counter.
There he was...just as we left him. "Here's a couple books I wrote. I'd like you to have them or pass them on to a cop," I said. He thanked me and told me about how God had called him to ministry and to writing as well then said, "I am hearing so much about you from God right now. Your ministry is going to be huge. You are going to do great things for God." Turning to Rick, he said, "You're a lucky man." Rick agreed.
Walking back to the car once again, the awareness of the moment was palpable. God had answered my prayers by revealing His presence through a total stranger. Who else but the Lord could have orchestrated all of that?
This evening as I reflect, I cannot help but know that my heavenly daddy is already preparing the way. I am humbled and blessed!
Soli deo Gloria!
Kristi
WOW!!! God sure works in mysterious ways and when we least expect it and through whom we least expect. May God open the hearts and minds of all those at the conference to receive Him!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Brenda. God never ceases to amaze me. :) Keep the prayers coming!
ReplyDeleteHow about that! As always, God does his work in the least likely ways, in the least likely of places, and through the people we least expect. He never changes!!
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting too that he knew Rick is a cop, and used that to enter your world. Love your analogy....."God Smack".
God bless you in your presentation tonight.
Very Cool. I have a wal-mart story too! Not just everyday low prices! God Bless you guys!!
ReplyDeleteHey Matty. As always, thanks for your comments and encouragement. The conference was awesome and God's presence palpable. Watch for a soon-to-be blog about it. :) Blessings!
ReplyDeleteChris...you crack me up. You definitely ought to blog about your Wal-Mart experience. Perhaps it could be a God trend. Instead of people of Wal-Mart, we could have God moments at Wal-Mart. ??
ReplyDelete