The Upper Room 6 December 2021 Daily Devotional | Monday Message
Godly Interruptions
Tom Smith (Utah, USA)
TODAY’S READING
Matthew 25:31-46
KEY VERSE: “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?” – Matthew 25:44 (NIV)
The Upper Room 6 December 2021 Daily Devotional Message
Recently my wife, Gwen, and I were on vacation in San Juan. Because there was no coffee available at our hotel, I took an early-morning stroll and found a fast-food restaurant nearby. The place was almost empty; but as I headed toward the counter, a man approached me and asked, “Sir, would you buy me breakfast? I’m hungry but don’t have any money.” I politely declined and continued toward the counter. Just another panhandler, I thought.
My response had been a selfish reaction to an interruption, and I instantly regretted it. This man hadn’t asked for money; he just wanted breakfast. If I had offered to pay for his meal, it could have been an opportunity to show God’s love to someone. I quickly went back out to the street to look for him, but he was nowhere in sight.
As I write this, I still feel deep remorse. God has forgiven me, but nonetheless I grieve as I reflect on my reaction to what I feel was a Godly interruption. God presents us with daily opportunities to grow and serve in the least likely places — and often at inconvenient times. When we stop focusing only on ourselves, we can be ready to respond when opportunities to show God’s love arise.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Every day I will watch for Godly interruptions.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Loving God, help us to be alert to each person you put in our path today. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS
To be open to promptings from God