The Power of Choice

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

And, he will answer I tell you the truth when you refuse to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you are refusing to help me Matthew 25:45

We are experiencing a heat wave with daily temperatures ranging from 104-110. While traveling yesterday, we made a pitstop at one of the major gas stations in the area. I looked twice to confirm what my eyes were seeing. A young man was sitting on the ground with a small backpack, a bag, and a bottle of Gatorade. I attempted to make sense of someone outside with nothing to shield him from the sun’s blazing rays and the 110 degree temperature. I prayed for God to guide us in helping this young man. I asked my husband to offer him the last bottle of cold water from our cooler, and to find out if he was hungry. He had sufficient food in the bag beside him, but, needed water.

I entered the store and as I contemplated on what I thought the young man needed, the Holy Spirit instructed me to buy a store gift card for $10. Without question, I obeyed. When I handed him the gift card, he asked, “Are you giving me this card?” I responded, “yes, I want you to be able to go into the store and make the choice of what you would like to eat or drink.” He thanked me and smiled.

We did nothing to deserve any accolades or recognition for our actions. In the midst of what we determine is hopeless, God’s love and mercy prevailed. The young man’s smile indicated appreciation; however, the ability to be able to make the simple choice of selecting what to eat or drink may empower him to make the decision to seek help in changing his status of homelessness. God’s thoughts are never our thoughts. We must stay close and attached through prayer. It is our choice to stay connected to God: He has given us that power of choice.

Dear God, you have given us the power of choice to serve you or not. Thank you for the gift of freewill. Please teach us to use it for your honor and glory. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz