The Divine Appointment

I thought I was just buying a washing machine.

It had already been a long day, but I needed to stop at an appliance store on the way home to purchase a new washer. Our washing machine, up in years, broke for the third time since we bought it and the repairman suggested it would be cheaper to buy a new one than repair it. So with wash piling up at home, I deemed it an emergency.

After some online research I chose a machine. I didn’t go to our neighborhood appliance store, because they didn’t carry the one I wanted, so I selected a different store on my way home. It wasn’t my usual place.

I was tired, but the woman who assisted me was lovely. She was kind. She made the process easy and I began to ask questions. I wanted to know her better.

That’s when I found out about some hardships she was going through. She shared about the difficulties in her situation and I realized this was not about a washing machine, it was a divine appointment. She needed a listening ear and a kind word of encouragement.

I told her I was in ministry and about my heart to help women overcome trials and dysfunction so right there in the appliance store, I held her hand and we prayed. At one time in my life, I would have been afraid to pray aloud with another person, especially an employee. It was a public place. What would people think? But I no longer care if others find fault with it. I answer to a higher authority. At that moment, it was just her, me and the Lord in that place.

I left her with a couple of books and a business card, but I walked out the door with more than a receipt for a new washing machine. I felt incredible joy after being used by God in that way. It was putting my calling into practice. I also realized we always have to be ready to help someone in need. We must show love to strangers because we are Christ’s representatives. 2 Corinthians 5:20 says, We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.

Hebrews 13:16 adds, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is please.”

So today before you leave the house, pray to be God’s representative in the world. Go the extra mile when you meet a new person. Find out more about them. Lend a helping hand if they need it. Who knows? They may be your divine appointment.