Not Just a Sandwich

I want to share a story with you.  This is a moment in my life that happened back when I was in college...

The night was cold.  Class was just dismissed for break.  During my break I got into my car to drive up to the gas station just a couple of blocks away from my school.  I pulled up into the parking stall and began taking those few steps to the doors of the gas station store.  Sitting next to the doors was a gentleman dressed in shabby and dirty clothes.  His face and hands were very dirty, and his eyes were filled with grief.  He didn't have to say much, but I knew that this man was lonely, cold, and hungry.  He looked at me and asked if I had any money.  I told him I didn't have any, because I didn't have any cash on me;  just my ATM card.  But he needed something more than a couple bucks.  As I proceeded into the store my mind started going.  I got myself something cold to drink and a little snack to keep my mind awake for the remainder of class that night, but I knew that God wanted me to grab something for the man outside.  I picked up a gas station sandwich and a water bottle.  I made the purchase and walked back outside. I handed the man the bag with the sandwich and water in it and I said, "Here you go sir."  His eyes grew wide and he looked up at me and said to me in a tone that I will never forget.  He said, "You got that for me?  God bless you."  He acted as if I handed him a feast.  His gratitude said it all to me.  

I got back in my car and the tears started to come.  I began to wonder what was his story.  I never saw this man again and even today I wonder sometimes what happened to him.  God told me that night to get a sandwich for the man, but it wasn't just a sandwich, no it was something more.  Jesus shown through me that night.  I could feel the power of the Holy Spirit in me and God's love was poured into the sandwich.  God uses even the smallest acts of kindness to bring others to Him.  I didn't realize until several months later that God was calling me into something more than what I was studying at school.  As I finished up my college career and graduated, God had been leading me into a ride of my life.  I am still riding it!  Between that time to today God has given me many more opportunities to spread His love to the lost and hurting people.  He has definitely given me a huge passion to share His love to those on the streets.  One of the lessons that I learn is God will use even the smallest acts of love and change someone's life.  

We may not all be called to serve around the world, or even in full-time ministry but we are all called to love.  We are all called to share God's love with those around us.  If God asks you to buy a sandwich for someone, remember it isn't just a sandwich He is asking you to give.  God works in so many ways and He even can change someone's life through a gift of a sandwich.