Isaiah 55:6 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
Since I`m still unemployed, yes I looking for a job but the right job for this season of my life, I`ve been helping fellow distributors pack out shelves on weekends. As independent distributors the only way they get a weekend off is to hire someone, like me, to replenish their product to the shelves on weekends. Preforming this simplistic task often allows distributors a much needed break; preventing burn-out which was one of down-falls!
This weekend I packed out for Thomas England/Arnold bread distributor, Josh at three of his stores. Sure are a lots of different kinds of breads and muffins. I remember when there was only white, rye and wheat; do we really need all of these choices or does it just add confusion to a simple task? Too many choices and free-will, is that how we get into trouble?
One of the benefits of packing out, is that I get to see familiar faces and visit with friends from my distributor days. I surely miss the people more than my Little Debbie job itself! Saturday morning Dusty was the receiver of the day at Walmart, a single mother working hard to raise and support her children. I immediately sensed that something was wrong with the usual smiling upbeat receiver.
When I inquired she tired to conceal her pain, but it showed through. She shared that she was just having some difficult times and consumed with worry. Her sister`s wedding was coming up and anything that could go wrong was indeed going wrong. I tried to assure her that worrying wasn`t the answered and that everything would work out. As tears trickled down her face, she confessed that her 58 year old father was recently diagnosed with third stage cancer. No doubt the true reason for pain and suffering. She was consumed by fear.
Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the LORD always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evidentt to all. The LORD is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Without reservation, she accepted my offer for prayer. I gently hugged her as I softly whispered prayerful words of love, encouragement and faith in God. She said that she has been praying and that perhaps for the first time in his life, her father is turning to the LORD. Dusty thanked me, I assured her that I would continue to pray.
The next day when I returned to pack out, I found Dusty busy at her receiving duties. I gently slipped two small wooden pocket crosses into her hand; one for her and one for her father. Again, tears peacefully flowed as she graciously accepted the gift. In our times of pain and suffering holding on to Jesus is our strength.
Psalm 18:32-33 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to standd on the heights.
Father God, I thank you for this special time to witness and minister to Dusty, seems that her shelves were empty too! I pray that you will heal her father, but most importantly, draw him into an eternal relationship with you. Open his eyes and soul to receive the precious gift of Jesus Christ. Amen!
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