474. Giving And Getting Samples

“I went to the Big Box Wholesale Club yesterday,” Stan began, “and I experienced a real truth to strengthen my walk with God.”

“At Big Box?” I responded.  “What was that all about?”

“I was in one of the food isles,” Stan replied, “and I saw something I had not seen before.  There were packages of dried mangoes.”

 “I picked up a package and was reading about what was in it, the nutritional aspects, and all of that.  The package even had a window to see what was inside.  If you’ve never seen a dried mango, I can tell you they aren’t real pretty.”

“Just then,” he continued, “another shopper who saw me looking at the package stopped and told me that there was a person at the end of the isle handing out samples.  She said the sample was actually real tasty and she was picking up a package to buy.”

“So, did you get a sample?” I asked.

“I did,” Stan replied.  “Tasted real good and I bought a couple of packages.  Love those dried mangoes!  They are a real good snack.”

“That’s a great marketing approach, to give out samples so people can decide if they like it.”

“Sure is,” Stan responded.  “And that’s the part of the story that strengthens and encourages my walk with God.”

“How so?” I asked.

“Rather than just standing and looking, wondering about something, if I can ‘taste’ what God is doing in another person’s life, if I can see the manifestation of Christ in that person, my walk with God is strengthened.  Also, if I share what God is doing in and through me, it may help another person’s walk with Him.”

Continuing, Stan said, “It’s just like giving out and getting samples of what God is doing.”

He added, “I think that is why it is so vital for me to be around fellow Christians to hear and to listen to what they have to say about what God is doing in their lives.”

“It is essential for me,”Stan concluded, “to be part of the church and a fellowship group.  Not just go and be there, but be involved to hear from others.  Also, I am to be prepared to share what is going on in my life and in my walk with God as I continue on the path from conversion to transformation.”

“It not only helps me, but it may just help others as the fruit of the walk is tasted!”

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What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, that you also may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His son Jesus Christ.  1 John 1:3.

Prayer:  Thank you, Father, that you allow me to share in what you are doing in fellow believers by being able to hear and experience what you are doing in and through them.  Thank you that you use that to encourage my walk with you.  Thank you that you also show me what is on your heart and what you are doing in and through me so that I can share it with others in fellowship.  I confess that there are times I do not choose to listen to what others have to say about you and their walk with you.  Also sometimes I fail to share what you are doing in and through me.  I fail to pursue the fellowship you intend.  Please forgive me.  And please, Father, help me to follow your lead in this exactly as you intend.  Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

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Things to think (and journal) about:

1.  What is your biggest take-away from this devotional?

2.  What does this devotional say about God and about us as His people?

3.  What is God saying to you to do personally?

4.  Who can you share this with to make a difference?

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Comments, questions, suggestions, and the like can be addressed to The Storyteller at: waiting4thetrain@gmail.com.