Encounter on an Escalator
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
The other day my professor from college posted this very inspirational moment. I asked if I could share it with you because it’s very encouraging and reminds us to look past outward appearance. May God challenge you through this act of kindness! May we all become more available for God and His purpose! I pray this blesses you as much as it blessed me.
by Dr. Ron Walborn
Last week I was leaving the mall after a movie. As I approached the escalator I noticed an older woman with a walker trying unsuccessfully to get on the moving steps to take her down to the next level. I was still quite a distance away and I noticed a nearby group of teenage boys who, quite frankly, looked like they were up to no good. As I prepared to yell to this woman to wait till I got to her, one of the young men with his hat on sideways broke from his pack and spoke to the struggling woman, “Ma’am, do you need some help?’ “Why yes,” she replied reaching out to put her hand through his extended arm. The young man then reached down and picked up her walker as I moved in behind them to make sure she didn’t fall backwards. He looked back at me and I smiled at him letting him know I was with him if he needed any assistance…a guy in his 50’s teaming up with a teenager to help a stranger.
I’ll admit right now that I had tears in my eyes as this Divine appointment unfolded. When we reached the bottom, the young man made sure she was safely off the escalator and firmly behind her walker before stepping to the side. She called out “Thank you” over her shoulder as she headed for the outside doors. All of a sudden, my tear filled eyes locked with the eyes of this young man and I heard these words come out of my lips without even thinking about them. “You’re a good son,” I said. He looked shocked and audibly gasped, “What did you say?” At that moment I noticed his eyes had tears in them as well. I reached over and put my hand on his shoulder and said the words again, only this time a little bit more slowly with a bit more emotion. “You’re a good son.” Our teary eyes stayed locked for a few more seconds when he reached up and squeezed my arm. “Thank you,” he said, and he quickly ran up the escalator to rejoin his friends.
We may never fully understand moments like that until we hear God’s side of things someday in eternity. Here are a few lessons the Holy Spirit taught me that night:
1. Be careful not to judge people by their appearance. Man looks upon the outward appearance but God knows and reveals the heart. I don’t know what that young man and his friends are really like yet I have often judged people based upon their appearance. Forgive me Lord.
2. Never underestimate the power of a brief word of wisdom that can cut through shame and empower people’s spirit. Holy Spirit, give us opportunities to speak life to people and help us not to miss those moments when they present themselves. More often than not we just have to open our mouth and give Abba the chance to speak through us. He loves to do that!
3. God’s presence and power is just as strong in shopping malls as it is in church. He is waiting for us to jump into Divine Appointments that can render care to the broken and set the captives free. Open our eyes to see those moments when Heaven is invading earth.
Thank you Father. I want to be a good son.
Beautiful really makes u think:-)