An impulse to give: Setting the stage for an incredible miracle

As we leave the confines of the medical facility and begin our long voyage back to our home, we encounter a red traffic light. As my dad and I sit in the car waiting for the light to turn green, I see a man walking around the intersection asking for $8 to be able to spend the night in a homeless shelter. This incidence seems so usual and mundane. Lots and LOTS of people target the traffic intersections near the medical complex begging for money. But this man, this man seems so different.

Instantly, I feel the need to give this man money. I have a strong inclination I need to tell this man something. I quickly search my belongings looking for cash. (I rarely carry cash, but today, God had the exact amount He wanted me to give this man in my wallet.) The traffic light turns green before I can fish out the money and give it to the homeless man. My dad continues on our mission home, but as we are passing through the intersection he exclaims, "Oh, look! CVS. I have a coupon I need to use which expires today. Let's stop there." My dad swings into the pharmacy parking lot.

When my dad leaves the car and enters the store, I quickly exit the vehicle. In a hurry, I scurry away to the traffic light. I wait for the light to change before crossing the street to where the homeless man is working. I flag down the man. The gentleman walks over to me. I give him the money. He starts talking to me.

Unprovoked, he tells me he is a believer in Jesus. The man lays before me his recent life which happens to be a series of heartbreaking events. His wife had cancer. She passed away. Huge medical bills caused him to lose his house. He was part of a church. The church was helping him get back on to his feet. Evil speech spread lies about the homeless man which caused the homeless man to be kicked out of the church. At the end of his teary eyed monologue, the man chokes, "God once had a plan for me!"

Instantly, I grab the man and hug him. As I am pulling back from the embrace, I tell the gentleman, "God STILL has a plan for you!" Seeing my dad exit the CVS store, I say goodbye to my sweet friend and hustle back to the car. The man yells to me, "My name is Richard!" I wave and continue toward the car. I have prayed for this homeless man numerous times. I have also revisited this intersection (and nearby intersections) and I have never seen Richard again. I pray God helped Richard get back on his feet and get back in a relationship with Him.

As with so many stories, one could believe this was the end of this event. I gave Richard money. I prayed for Richard. I have never seen Richard again. The end. But God likes to continue stories. One small act of kindness changes my life six months in the future.

(Link to Part Two, click here)