God is in the Small Things

A few weeks ago, I stop by the store on my way home from work for a few food items. I was hoping to get in and out to avoid the traffic rush. Upon entering the store, I could see that it was a bit crowded. Nevertheless, I needed the items for my husband who was preparing dinner that night. When I entered the store, I noticed long lines waiting to checkout. Still, I collected the items I needed and proceeded to the checkout area.

As I walked towards a line to checkout, a man boldly slid his shopping cart in front of me. In my feelings, I began to complain to myself about not wanting to wait in the line; why did this guy just jump in front of me; I’m tired and ready to go home, blah blah blah. What happened next may not be something most people would think is a big deal, or even believe that God had anything to do with it. Yet, because I know that God is even in the small things that happen in my life, I do!

While in my feelings, I was convicted about my meaningless complaining. I stopped, and said “why am I complaining. This is so trivial with all that is going on in this world today. Lord forgive me for complaining. I really have no reason to be in a hurry. I will just wait in this line like everyone else. I will get home when I get home, and everything will be fine.” I realized that my complaining was not going to change anything, nor was God pleased with my selfish thoughts. I just relaxed myself and waited my turn to checkout.

When I reached the checkout counter, I looked around, and I noticed that there were people who had join a line the same time I did. However, there were two or three people in front of them, yet I was already at the register checking out. To my surprise, I had moved through the line quicker than I had expected. In my mind I was thinking WOW! I said to myself, Arlice, when you just humble yourself”. As I walked out of the store, I thanked God for trusting me with His favor despite my initial reaction to what I observed. I was grateful for His divine conviction of my selfish thoughts and for His spirit (the comforter) that lives in me. I am also grateful for the teaching of God that continues to help me quickly recognize and correct, when I am reacting with a fleshly attitude. I am amazed how much God shows up even in the minor things in life. Most people would probably say I was just lucky. Well, I stopped believing in luck a long time ago, and I thank God for every blessing in my life, even the small seemingly insignificant ones.

Although blessings are always welcomed and appreciated, it was the testing that I appreciated the most. I saw this experience as a test of my ability to humble myself in a situation that I did not create, nor did I have control over. I am convinced that when we are willing, God can reach us and teach us, even in the small things.

“God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6b)

Pressing Towards the Mark

AJ