More From Tom Smith

Hi Readers: 

I regret how badly I handled this Godly situation described in my devotion.  Certainly not one of my finer moments and I wish I had a “re-do.”  Do you ever feel that way?  When you handle a situation badly, sin rather than “steer clear,” procrastinate when you should plunge in, do you ever wish you could have a “do-over”?  In times like that, we need to remind ourselves that God’s grace and love, will restore our relationship, are just a confession prayer away.  The apostle Paul struggled with this too (see Romans 7:17-25).

God doesn’t hold grudges; God doesn’t resent our failures so don’t give up.  God wants us all on the playing field and puts people in our path each day so that we can show God’s love to a lost and anxious world (seemingly more anxious than ever with the current state of things).  So how do we prepare for Godly interruptions that we so easily miss?  How do we avoid getting caught up in the mundane and missing the Messiah? 

Reading a devotion like The Upper Room before you start the day is one great way.  It’s almost like a reset.  Start your day with God’s word and a prayer, even it’s just a few brief minutes.  Ask God to open your eyes to who needs a smile, an encouraging word, a prayer, or a moment of Godly love through your action or words.  I need my own advice too!  I so easily get wrapped up in the busyness of life, but I truly want to respond to Godly interruptions!    

This morning as you read this, know that I prayed for you.  I prayed that you embrace the thoughts here and that God will show you an “interruption” where you can be Jesus to someone God places in your path today.  That person could be anybody—a family member, a friend, or a cashier at the grocery store!

As a younger man, I thought I needed to do something big, splashy, and highly visible to truly impact the world.  Over time I have realized that we can make a much bigger impact by listening to God’s interruptions, and many times these focus on just one person at a time.  

I’d love for you to share your moments too so that we can encourage each other!   

Best wishes and love this season from our family to yours! 

— Tom