Last year in March I went to Portland and met a friend ~ she suggested we go to Burgerville for coffee before we headed to an event we were attending. Good plan, I like coffee and was excited to catch up with my friend. What I didn't realize was that short visit to the burger joint (which I've yet to have one of their burgers - it's on my TRY IT list for 2016!) would not only touch my heart in conversation shared with my friend, but that a complete stranger would take over a place in my heart for who I've never seen again and yet pray over daily.
He never shared his name. He overheard a portion of our conversation and came over - all he wanted was money for a cookie. My sweet friend went to purchase the cookies while I sat and visited with him. He was originally from Michigan. (where I have family) He found his way to Oregon because he was kicked out of the house as a teen because of drug abuse. He followed a friend to the West coast. He became addicted to drugs, lost everything. His family was JUST starting to come around and speak to him again as he had finally realized he needed to "get his act together" We were visiting on a Saturday, Monday he had a job interview and was so nervous. He wasn't sure what he'd wear, how he'd explain his past. But was confident he needed to go to the job interview because he really wanted to clean up his life. He has been heavy on my heart since that day.
On Monday after my return home, I prayed over him in the morning. Praying he looked cleaned up and nice for his interview. Prayed he shared his heart and there was compassion and understanding for him. I prayed he would get the job. I don't know if he did.
I continued to pray. I prayed he was doing well. I prayed he was making good choices. I prayed God brought people into his life who would share Jesus with him. I prayed he was healthy and I always pray he finds joy.
During Christmas I prayed he had someone special to share life with, the season of Christ and that blessings would surround him.
When I'm nudged at night and find myself awake at night, I pray for him. I didn't sleep well a few nights ago, and found myself deep in prayer over him. oh I should tell you I call him "Michigan" because I don't know his name...BUT, God does! God knows who I am praying for. God knows my heart and God hears my prayers.
I am not at all concerned with the fact I don't know the outcome of my prayers. I'm not at all concerned I may never know in THIS lifetime. I will continue to pray and I will continue to believe Michigan is being surrounded in the presents of God each and every day.
One day, I will know. One day, he too will know. And one day we will celebrate that moment in Burgerville which impacted both of us in a way we didn't realize.
God is good ALL THE TIME! I find myself praying over strangers often - a woman in the grocery store who is clearly at her witts end, I pray for peace. The person struggling to make ends meet, I pray God provide. The homeless standing on the corner, I pray for guidance and help.
I truly believe my job is to serve God's people. Not just the people God's blessed me with a relationship in knowing, but ALL GOD'S PEOPLE. When someone is laid upon my heart, I take it very seriously to pause and pray over them.
Today I invited you to spot someone in line at the grocery store, at a stop light, at work, at the gym... someone you know or don't know and pray for them today. I assure you this they will not be the only ones who receive blessings today!
And now I say a prayer for you reading this, may your day be blessed, may God's spirit fill your heart, your car, your office, your cubical, your pick up... may He be so present in your day that you pause and say SHE PRAYED THIS FOR ME, and may you smile and say THANK YOU JESUS. You are loved!!!