Upon leaving my house early this morning to go to a speaking event , I thought I had everything until 8:45 a.m.…
My morning ritual has been the same for years and this morning felt no different. At 8:45 a.m. my wife calls me stating that I had left my wallet at the house. This is very uncharacteristic of me and this morning it just slipped my mind. All my cash, cards, IDs were in it. Luckily, I had plenty of fuel to get to my speaking event and back. After a great day of speaking to the incredible students at the Stuart High School Leadership Conference, I headed back home thankful for the mileage available in my vehicle.
As I drove away, I began to notice how thirsty I was from speaking all day. I had no water, nor the capability to purchase anything to drink since my wallet was doing a re-enactment of Kirk Cameron’s movie, Left Behind. Looking for a store to see if there was a free drinking fountain, my efforts found nothing. Finally, after thirsting for miles I arrived to a big town. As soon as I came into the city miles, I immediately felt the nudge of the Lord to go to A&W(home of my favorite root beer). It was like my heart was being led to go there. I resisted the nudge immediately, throwing it off as nonsense at first, fully knowing I didn’t have any money or purchasing power for a drink. I quickly bypassed the exit and went on my thirsty way.
Within seconds, I could feel the leading of the Lord even stronger to go to A&W. Pulling my car over, I battled in my head, and finally turned around and headed to the A&W. Arriving in the parking lot, I questioned everything, “Why am I being led here?” “I’m not getting anything out of this, why am I wasting my time?” “I’m going to be so embarrassed when they ask for payment?” “This is not a good idea.” My thirst ensued this entire time and after 10 minutes of wrestling of whether to go in or not, I chose to trust the leading the Lord had put in my heart. I swallowed my pride and went inside, trusting God for whatever He had.
Coming up to the cash register, the cashier asked me what I wanted to order. I blurted out: “One Root Beer please.” As she grabbed my cup, she gave it to me and said, “No worries about paying for this. It’s on the house.” I replied, “No way? Really?” She said, “Yes sir, just wanted to bless you today!” This kind cashier had no idea the struggle I was facing nor the internal battle it took to walk into the store.
This story maybe simple and minute, but I totally believe this was God at work. He knew my most minimal need at the time and blessed me with something that was literally sweeter than I could’ve imagined. Regardless the size of your need, God is faithful to answer it. He is in the details as well as the big picture. He desires what is best for us and always has a plan in motion.
It reminds me that this is a perfect display of God’s characteristics. Time and time again, we come to God in our nothingness, knowing we have nothing that could repay what He has done for us, and yet He proves His love and faithfulness everyday. He sees us as His beloved children and goes the extra mile for us. Ask yourself these questions, “Are you listening to God’s directions?” “Are you trusting His leading?” “Are you paying attention to Him?” I was so close to missing it today, and in the end, he boosted my faith and quenched my thirst.
Give God your need. Trust Him to take care of it. Be sensitive to His voice and know He is ever present. He knows where you are at and what you are going through. Today the cashier told me my blessing was on the house, but truth be told, my faith in God is now through the roof! #OnTheHouse #DependOnJesus #TrustHim #HeKnowsYourNeed
Brandon Baumgarten 