I realized I had forgotten something and I headed back to the store. I was involved in a new project. Each time I went back I was greeted with a smile and some conversation. I was frustrated about having to go back but I was also appreciative of the person on the other side of the counter. Their demeanor caused me to forget my frustrations and get lost in the moment.

Yesterday the Lord said to me “many are stepping up but not aware of it”. Hold this thought…

A young person I know has encountered a difficult time. New child, new job, new geography. One of my friends thinks he is self centered. Me, I know he is hurting, missing something. (Sometimes when you have a hole in your heart you can only think about yourself…)So my desire is to be like the person across the counter in my dream above. Giving him a moment of respite. I told him yesterday I was and had been praying for him. Clearly, that was new concept. It will prove to be interesting for him and me in the coming days. Each day I speak a little more, reveal to him a bit about the Father and His love for him.

Here is the funny part about my dream. I did not know I needed something until I came upon it. And then I would head down to the store. I did not know what I did not know until I was in the middle of it. My young friend does not know what he needs but it is clear he knows there is something missing. Often I think Jesus is like that. He does not share the whole story, because it keeps us coming back to Him. And He gets to be with us as we walk through that moment or season.

I love relationship. I know it is key. But so is the sharing of the gospel. I get a little nervous when someone says “I just want to be their friend”. Really? How far can that go? One or both of you is going to be fed up. When cultures collide sparks will fly. Being a friend of “sinners” is great but at some point you are going to have to have the conversation that reveals, perhaps divides, perhaps separates. To trade on for another is a dangerous thing.

You go to the store to get what you need. There is a transaction. A cost. A purchase and something to take home. I have walked with many a man and woman who did not know Jesus. And at some point I know they will have a need and I will be the “expert” on bringing Jesus into the picture. (You know I am not talking about being “in ministry” right? I am talking about the walk of a believer…)At that point they are going to decide if their project is important, in need of completion. Or not.

Some of the reasons Jesus was followed were the healings, miracles and food. But even that was not enough to reel them in. They pondered and came to the conclusion that there was an easier walk. John 6:66 (Keep in mind Jesus was a lawful man speaking of the law before His death. And that helps with the context and challenges a lot of messages preached!) Until His death on the cross, life was different.

Jesus is still looking for the lost, seeking the sinful. Desirous to implement the results of the great exchange on Calvary in their life.

My personal walk leading up to Jesus actually began in a store. I went there time and time again. First food, then relationship and one day in aisle 2 I was confronted by Jesus. Life changed.

I want you to think about this today. If you are going to a hardware store you are looking for hardware. If you go to the grocery store…groceries. So, is it possible, just really possible? People are coming to you for Jesus.