We had finally arrived in the megalopolis of Los Angeles, cross-eyed with fatigue. Due to a series of delayed flights, difficulties finding the hotel, and problems with our reserved rooms, it was 4 a.m., Eastern Standard Time, when we finally got to bed. It had been a rushed trip, imposed upon us by an unexpected death in the family, and quite naturally, once we were awake enough to notice, we realized that we had forgotten to pack certain, rather essential items – socks, shampoo, and well, you get the picture! It would seem that when we packed our bags, our brains weren’t working quite as meticulously as usual!

Across the street from our hotel was a K-Mart. As we entered, a sales-lady immediately befriended us. We were looking for about 8 different items in 8 different sections of the store, and while she patiently guided us to each one of them, she talked and laughed, apparently doing everything in her power to brighten our day. How could she have known?

The last item retrieved, we were now headed for the cash register, and our personal K-Mart guide took her leave of us. Before doing so, however, she stopped in her tracks, looked into our eyes and said: “Have a Merry Christmas, and don’t forget, Jesus loves you!”

This young girl was a Christian, one who wasn’t afraid to testify of His love, even in such a large, busy city! We were so touched, and it gave us great comfort during that difficult day.

Later that same day and in a totally different part of the city, we went to another Superstore. It was a Wal-Mart this time, and our goal was to purchase construction paper and double-sided tape in order to mount some pictures of our beloved family member. At the check-out stand, the cashier looked into our eyes and said: “I am not supposed to say this, but I’ll be praying for you! God bless you! He will brighten your Christmas!”

We were blessed beyond means. Two similar messages, coming from two different vendors in two different stores, both risking their positions to bring us a message of hope. Wow! How powerful was their testimony! It lifted us up for our remaining time in Southern California. We had seen a glimpse from above and knew beyond a doubt that our Heavenly Father was comforting us.

When you depend upon God’s Holy Spirit, you can never go wrong. Just as these two vendors brought us relief in ways unknown to men, sharing God’s love with others will always open doors that could have remained closed for ever. Only God can truly bring relief to those in misery, and only God’s peace can appease the turmoil of our hearts. Only divine love can comfort us: “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” (Ps 119:50 NIV); “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV); and “God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Rom 5:5 NIV)

God is here, and He manifests Himself majestically through His Spirit, His Word and His human agents, those Christians who depend solely on Him for guidance.

Do you want to make a difference in this world? Depend on God’s Spirit and follow His inner promptings. He will guide you every step of the way!

“When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13 NIV)

Are you by any chance looking for socks? What about shampoo …?

Rob Chaffart