I Was Hungry, And You Fed Me

This past week, my wife and I had to be in Halifax for a medical appointment. Heeding the standard instruction to be registered about thirty minutes before, we calculated a departure time from our home. Armed with gas and a cup full of coffee, we set out. As we travelled, we noticed that everywhere we went, traffic was in our way. Other than navigating some unfamiliar streets to find a parking space, we made it in perfect time. We were looked after immediately and the appointment, only took five minutes.

As we were exiting the hospital, a young man, who was sitting on the sidewalk called out and asked if we could buy him some food as he was hungry. Without hesitation, we stopped, turned to him and said yes, as no one should be hungry. I must admit that the look of surprise on his face, and the quick response by him shocked us both. I don’t know how many people ignored or passed by him, but when God says do something then we need to do it. His age may have been around the same if not a bit younger than our own sons. He held a bundle which was probably what he owned. After spending a few minutes with him as he hastily chose a few items, we exchanged first names, a quick handshake and we were gone.

Upon leaving the hospital, a driver waved me out into traffic, then we drove almost six blocks without a single vehicle in front of us onto the bridge. The sun was out, and the temperature was warm as we both breathed a sigh of relief from being so well looked after. On the way home, we stopped for supper, and was seated immediately, and waited on, just before a tour bus landed. As we shared our meal, we chatted of God’s grace on us that day. We were blessed by a friend’s prayer for safe journey, given perfect traveling weather. The appointment went better than expected and we were able to show God’s love to a stranger. We’ll not soon forget his name, or his face, just as Jesus cannot forget our names or our faces. When we ask Him for anything in a time of need He will respond. When He responds immediately, we too will have the reaction of that hungry young man. We’ll jump to attention and never forget where our help came from.

Today, listen as He leads you and prepares your day. Pay His grace and kindness forward without thinking. After all, it may be Him that you see sitting on a cold sidewalk one day.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com