I Can Do That
by Charlene Friesen
Thought: Some call it luck of the womb, a privileged existence, or use the term “born with a silver spoon in his mouth.??? Whatever the expression, never take for granted life’s comfortable situations. “Jesus, remove the silver spoon from my mouth, exchanging my complacent attitude with one of gratitude. Because You’ve freely given, help me do the same.???
“Feed them.??? His voice was unmistakable, His command undeniable.
“Feed who????
“The street people, the drug addicts, the prostitutes,??? Jesus said.
Chuckling, I replied, “My burnt offerings of leathered meat bought my dentist a new car and gave my family a beef induced twitch.???
Settling back into my chair, I must have sounded like Moses, negotiating with God’s command to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. I quieted my soul and listened further:
“Make an extra sandwich. While driving your kids to and from school, be on the lookout for a homeless person. Feed him.???
“I can do that.???
The following morning, eight slices of bread adorned my countertop. From my truck, I scoured the sidewalk, looking for that special someone who was in need of a sandwich. No sign of anyone yet. I then headed to work where many street people and prostitutes frequent a two-block radius of my business. I drove around the block countless times, astounded that not one street person was in sight.
Over the next few weeks, my sandwich and I continued our silent journey – he was a great passenger, but was in need of a special friend. Many times I ate the sandwich for lunch the next day, not wanting to blow my God given opportunity with a stale offering.
Then, it finally happened. While fueling my truck at the gas station, I noticed a homeless man, scruffy and unwashed, putting air in his bike tires. With confidence I didn’t have, I boomed, “Good morning!???
He looked up, smiled and said, “Hello, ma’am.???
“God Bless you,??? I said, thrusting the sandwich forward.
“Thank you very much,??? he said, in a calm clear voice. With trusting blue eyes he added, “And have a nice day.???
“You too,??? I countered, returning to my truck. As I pulled away, he looked up and waved.
Driving home, absorbed in my divine encounter, I could not get his bright, sincere blue eyes out of my mind – his unwashed hair and filthy clothes, paled in comparison. I could only see the gentlest face.
His eyes looked beyond my gaze and burrowed deep into my soul, beckoning me to delve into my own heart. I am one step away from this man’s sad and seemingly hopeless predicament. Perhaps my loving, supportive family and friends, and strong faith in God, averted my final step into a downward spiral. Perhaps he didn’t have the same support network I am blessed with.
I too have committed errors, just like this gentleman, only my filth isn’t smeared all over my face and clothing, it’s hidden in my heart. My freshly washed hair and shiny truck makes me no better than the one who hasn’t showered and rides a beat up bicycle.
We are equals, yet I am responsible for this man, my brother. What can I do? I can pray. Prayer will feed his soul. And I can put feet to those prayers – I can nourish him with a sandwich.
I can do that. And I will.
About the Author
This devotional was written by Charlene Friesen. Read more about Charlene:
http://talk.thelife.com/authors/charlene-friesen/
Going Deeper
1. Consider these questions: Would you say that you have a complacent attitude? Comment. What is God saying to you today that you can do? Who are you resposible for? http://www.christianwomentoday.com/growth/compassion.html
2. Comment on the devotional blog. Interact with others who are reading today’s devotional. Visit http://talk.thelife.com/ and double click on “Comment??? (just under the devotional title).
3. Chat: Join us for a 15-minute chat at 10:30 am Eastern, 7:30 am Pacific: http://www.christianwomentoday.com/chat
4. Related reading
Does God still speak to people? http://www.christianwomentoday.com/growth/does_god_speak.html
Copyright
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4 Responses to “I Can Do That”
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What Do You Fear?
What do you fear, and why? Is it holding you back from realizing your full potential?
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sometimes we think we don’t have enough to “give”,i:e,money,food,etc,but sometimes the “little” things we share turns out to be “big” things to the receiver.In this season of giving,everyone seems to have “giving” hearts,,,but what about the other 364 days?Whenever an opportunity presents itself,or when we see someone in need,that’s the “season” to give.I pray God’s strength for myself in this area also.God Bless you all
dee
I am reminded again that I could so easily be that one on the street … that one destitute and thrown out … down on luck … hungry … alone. And yet the Lord in his grace cleans me up and keeps me where I am. Several years ago I had a freind who was devistated by a situation in her marriage. She left her home and went out into the night just to get away. She went to a bridge in our town that is known for homeless, street people who dwell below it. They took her in that night, offered her a bite to eat, gave her a blanket to sleep under. They encircled her to protect her and let her sleep. When she shared her story with me the Lord checked my heart and attitude filled with judgement about “those people”. “Thank you Lord for reminding me afresh that you take such awesome care of our family. Forgive me for judging those around me. Give me your eyes and your heart as I move throughout my day … I will be a sandwich maker if that is what you ask me to do.”
This is a great devotional. I too learned this lesson and it’s a hard one to learn. Someone I loved did something against me and my family that was so very hard to take and understand. In the still of the night the Lord taught me this same lesson, that my sins (hidden in my heart and seen only by me and Him) were the same sins. Manifested differently but sin is sin. The consequences were different but before God we both needed forgiveness. I forgave him knowing that my God forgave me. And such peace it gave me! Some people didn’t understand my forgiveness and how I could still love him who did us wrong. But I do. We have no contact, but I still love him. Just as God loves me.
Thanks for the reminder.
What a wonderful testimonial to God working through Charlene Friesen’s life. Lord, I want to be like that . . .
even though I am older and handicapped . . . show me how I can minister in your name right where I am. In Jesus’ name I pray. Annie