Life as Lydia

All He Said Was To Obey

So, if you read my last post you know that Ive been trying to see needs that God puts in my path each day and try my best to meet them. Well, he wasn't kidding!
So the journey began....
Harper and I were on our way to pick up some fast food for lunch.  I tried to choose a healthier option by going ALL the way across town to Chick-fil-a... or as Harper calls it, "Chick-a-way!"  Anywho, after getting off the interstate and heading down the exit ramp I glanced over and saw a young woman standing on the corner in front of the Pilot gas station holding a small cardboard sign.  She was facing the oncoming traffic on the other side of the road and so I had to crane my neck to get a look at her as I zoomed past.  At that moment God pricked my heart and said, "obey".  I knew what I needed to do but like most of the times when I see a homeless person or someone asking for money I quickly make my excuses on why I dont need to help them.  As the many reasons filled my head I justified all scenarios and made my way through the Chick-fil-a drive-thru.  But God kept reminding me just to obey Him.  I was like, "ok, God, if I have an opportunity to read her sign carefully then Ill stop and help her on my way back home." Yeah, right, who was I kidding.  I barely paused as I drove past her.  My hundredth excuse was, well, that girl better get a better sign because NOONE could read what she needed... it was something about "help" and "funeral".  As I got back on the interstate God kept telling me to turn around and help her.  I again, made up ANOTHER excuse.  The next off ramp was being worked on and there was NO WAY I could get off in time and make my way back around to that girl.  Ok, so, its totally alright to be judging me as you read this because I deserve it!  I mean, HOW disobedient can I be!!!!
Well, God had not given up.  Ohhh, yeah, He gave me one last chance to redeem myself.  As I got off my exit I saw something.  Yep, what/who was standing at the stop sign as I got off the ramp?!?!... ANOTHER person begging for help holding a sign!!!!! I mean, really, how many people do we see TWICE in one day (especially in this small town) holding signs asking for help!!!!  Out of disobedience, AGAIN, I tried not to make eye contact at this man, and turned past him.  Moments later as I sat at a stop light, God said to me, "OBEY!!"  Like, come on, child, what are you waiting for?!?!  And, just like a small child, I finally gave in.  I turned around at the next stop light and made my way back to the poor man.  I quickly fumbled around in my purse, found some money and pulled up to him.  His back was turned to me so I rolled down the window and had to shout out at him saying, "Sir, here you go."  He quickly made his was over and he humbly said thank you and God bless.  Me, who was terribly humbled too at this moment said God bless you too.  I drove away and that was that.  As I slowly made my way back home tears started to fill my eyes.  Not for the man but for me.  I was ashamed.  I asked myself, WHY did it take all that to get me to obey?  Why was it so hard???  I sat thinking that I am constantly asking Harper to obey me 24/7 and I expect obedience from her.  Why was it so difficult for me, as an adult, who KNOWS what obedience is, to simply obey God?!?  Looking back to this mornings challenge I pray that it won't take me as long to obey Him next time.  I had asked Him to provide someone that I could minister to. I asked, and He provided! ... and 2 people.. not just one! I believe that God will always provide people for us to minister to everyday.  It is our choice/decision to keep our eyes open and be on the lookout and to obey.