Angel in Disguise?
I was life group today and we were talking about poverty and what we can do to help. It's an overwhelming subject to talk about and I think that's why people were pretty quiet tonight. I know I didn't have a lot of answers myself. We were talking about giving to those in need and whether or not to give beggars money on the street when they ask for it. I even wondered aloud why we feel uncomfortable when people ask us for money off the street.
ENTER APPLICATION: I was leaving life group and needed to get gas. I was going to wait until I got to my side of town because it's usually cheaper than on the East side but as I drove past this gas station, the Holy Spirit told me to stop. I initially drove by it but turned around and went back to it. Not knowing why I was supposed to stop because gas there was $2.17, I proceeded to pump gas. As soon as I got done filling my tank this guy comes up to me and ask for money. At first I reached into my side pocket because I knew I had a $5 bill in there so I gave him that. He then said I need $10 to go get something to eat and after an exchange of me giving suggestions on where he could go for cheaper, and pretending to look for my wallet even though I knew where it was I decided to give him some more money than he asked for. He started to give me the $5 back but I told him to keep it.
He was overjoyed at that and then almost started crying. He gave me a hug and we talked for a little bit. I started to share the gospel with him but didn't get through it all without interruption. I shook his hand and asked him his name and I noticed that his hands were severely calloused and cracking. I asked him about it and he said that he had cancer. He gave me a hug, said some other things, and did a freestyle rap for me that included some swear words. I should also mention that he smelled like booze.
I started to leave and then he asked me to take him to his house at a different location not too long from where we were. I lied and told him I was going in the opposite direction and he begged a little more but dropped the matter and went into the gas station. I drove off and as soon as I did the Holy Spirit told me to go back. So I reluctantly turned around and went back to where he was. By this time he walked across the street so I pulled around and picked him up and took him to where he wanted to go. Nothing spectacular happened but one thing that came to mind is this scripture: "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it." Heb 13:2
Thinking about it is what prompted the status update on Facebook "Will wonders if an angel can smell like booze, have severely calloused hands, and swear while freestyle rapping?"
I'm not looking for applause. I should've been obedient the first time and God should never have to tell you something twice. But I'm certain it was the Holy Spirit and just hope that I did right. Nothing spectacular happened after that. I didn't share the gospel with the guy or anything. So please hold your applause for someone else. I was just thinking out loud.


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