Nobody wants a ticket; especially a speeding ticket that was given in a district 3 hours from where you live. I didn't know what the speed limit was when I was driving down the highway. Apparently it dropped 10 mph where I got pulled over. Anyways I got my ticket and court date and moved on.
The day before my court date I had to work really late, so I had a decision to make. I decided to drive down that night and check into a hotel close by so all I had to do was drive ten minutes when I woke up instead of 3 hours. Prior to leaving I went to the gas station and bought what seemed like enough food to feed a small army (I like to eat a lot...don’t judge). Needless to say I had plenty to satisfy me for the duration of the trip there and with some to spare. I checked in the hotel and was able to get about 4-5 hours of sleep before “judgement day”. Even though my plan to be there on time was a success, there was no getting around the sleep deprivation. I wasn’t in the best of moods and felt like the most unlucky kid in the world. It wasn’t until I got to the courthouse that everything changed for the better.
I got out of the car and had to walk nearly a quarter mile to the courthouse from their parking lot. When I got inside I had to go through the security line. I gave them my belongings to look through and gave me the worst attitude about my cell phone (didn't know it was a problem SORRY). So I had to walk ALL the way back (still tired and cranky mind you) to put it in my car. While I was closing the car door I notice an older man walking towards me. After he approached me I found out that he was homeless. He was trying to ask me something but he was very hard to understand. He mumbled to me for a little bit I assumed he wanted some change but then I heard him say “and I’m hungry” at the end of his request while rubbing his belly.
I’m about to go into court and plead guilty for speeding, probably get a hefty fine, and then get some unneeded points on my license and all this homeless man wants is some food. I didn’t think much of it. So I gave him a few bags of chips and a soda from the remaining supply of food in my car. He gave me the biggest smile that showed the limited amount of teeth in his mouth and went on.
Afterwards I went through the torturous process of waiting for your name to be called before the judge so they can decide your fate. 45 minutes later I was the last person in the courtroom, but they never called my name. The judge finally looks at me confusingly and says “state your name and business”. I gave them my ticket expecting the worst.
With no prior knowledge, the judge took his time with the ticket and then looked at me and said “consider this your lucky day” and voided my violation! Shocked in the moment I realized that this was no coincidence. I was meant to learn from this day. I believe with all my heart that God was testing my willingness to serve. With the fate of the world coming down God gave me the opportunity to give graciously to His people and by doing so serving God. After that day I understood how rewarding serving an almighty and merciful God like ours. It just goes to show that God can use anything or anyone...like a homeless man to give food to.
The moral of this long but very true story is underlined in 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. Once you read it you’ll understand how God is fulfilling another one of His gracious promises to us. The “judge” could have easily convicted me of the charges against me but He decided to cut me a break.
When we serve God, He will do so to us more than we deserve...because He loves us so!
awesome! and funny
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