Do you know that the bible tells us to be ready to share with others the hope we have in us? This command use to scare me. I thought I had to be ready to give some long theological explanation of how Christ’s death on a cross transformed me from unholy to holy. I was wrong.
God means for you and I to seize the opportunities that I believe He orchestrates to talk openly and honestly about our faith. We don’t need a degree in Seminary do so—just a prepared and willing heart.
Just about every day I ask God to make a blessing—to my family, to a stranger, to whomever. I ask that He give me His eyes and His heart so that I can see who out there is searching for hope. God loves to answer these types of prayers!
Often, I find myself encouraging a sales clerk while shopping. Once, as a visitor at a nearby college, I volunteered to give my testimony when the speaker didn’t show up. One young man surrendered to the call to ministry that day.
Lately, as I was flying to PA for a speaking engagement, the stewardess asked what I did for a living as she observed me studying my notes.
“I’m a Christian speaker and author,” I replied.
“Oh,” she responded. “I’m not into religion.”
“Me neither.” I agreed. This took her by surprise. “But I thought you were a Christian?”
“I am.” I confirmed. “But I don’t live by a bunch of rules. That’s what religious people do. No. I live by the power of God within me. I have a relationship with the Creator of all things! That’s much different than being religious.” I added.
As we talked more about the difference between religion and relationship, she began sharing her story with me. She was orphaned by her mother at a young age. Growing up in a home for orphaned children was hard she explained—especially since she was the only black girl there. She described feelings of loneliness, abandonment, and fear.
I tried comforting her with words of truth. “Even though you’ve experienced difficult circumstances in your life, God has a good and perfect plan for you.”
“Humm, is that right?” she asked. “I don’t know about that. What I do know is if I want to get somewhere in this life, I have to do it. That’s how I became a stewardess.”
“Is being a stewardess what you really want to be?” I inquired.
She hesitated and then with tear-filled eyes said, “No. What I really want to do is open my own home for girls. I’d run it like I know it should be run—giving them more than tools for success. I’d give them understanding.”
Wow! I was blown away. I could clearly see God at work in her life and our conversation. So, I encouraged her to seek God—the giver of that dream. And by the end of the flight, she had promised to do just that.
I walked off of the plane that day with a renewed sense that God was truly in control and at work in each of our lives. I also felt satisfied. Something about doing the will of God provides that in my life—true fulfillment.
I guess that’s the funny thing about being a blessing, you always get one in return.
Lelia Chealey says
Micca, This made me tear up. Thank you for the example to grasp every opportunity God entrusts us with. I shudder at the thought of what I’ve ignored out of inconvenience.
Beautiful testimony.
Can’t wait for you book to come out and I can’t wait to do it on our YES to GOD Tuesday blog study.
Can you email me some details? How many chapters, etc. and also when it would be available to purchase.
My email is chealey@yahoo.com
Thanks!
Lelia
Laurie Ann says
Oh, wow! I was praying today for God to make me a bolder witness for Him…Now I’m reading this and ready to seize the opportunities He provides for me. I’m pretty good at living a life of kindness and try to be positive, not a complainer, etc., but I don’t share the Gospel like I should. I need to do better! Thanks for this post!
DB says
thank you!
On Purpose says
You are a blessing to the people around you! And I am thanking God for you and knowing He will continue to bless you!
Bonita says
What a great story! I bet you changed that woman’s life that day. That dream buried in her heart was awakened once again.
Marama Esther says
WOW! I love the testimony. What a mighty God!