And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily, I say unto you, Except ye be converted , and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18: 2-3

“Do you have some change, ma’m?”

This was probably the third or fourth time in a week I had been approached by a stranger with the same question. I try to be prepared with something to give these needy souls: Small amounts of money or snacks, and a tract containing the message of salvation. I am not always prepared, and, quite honestly, there are rare occasions I just don’t want to bother with the interruption to my day. But, I try.

“I think I have some change. Just give me a moment here, ” I responded while I rummaged through my very full purse. How is it that you can have several pockets and a purse organizer and still not manage to keep your purse in order?

I prayed as I dug to find something to give this woman for the right words to speak to her. As I pulled out my coin purse (it had been stuck under my purse organizer), I realized I only had a few small coins on me. I looked apologetically into her electric blue eyes, and said, “I am sorry. This is all I have.”

As I handed the change to her she thanked me. She would have walked away, but I stopped her. I wanted to give her more. I had something worth more than all the treasures in the world to share with her: I had Jesus. While I can’t say it was the most successful gospel presentation, before the lady walked away I was able to share some truth and some of my own personal testimony of Christ. She was open enough to let me pray for her, and some of her immediate needs. Then we parted ways. As I write this I wonder if she is safe, if she is suffering out in the heat of the high desert, and whether she truly understands the way of salvation.

This woman that stopped me in the parking lot of Walmart on a hot Southern California day did not hide that she was in physical need. But, she was quick to hide behind an experience that may be masking her spiritual need. There was no difference between her and all the other people in the parking lot that day, except her physical need put her in a position to hear about the ultimate remedy for her greatest need–spiritual life through Jesus Christ.

As I ponder this seemingly incidental happening, I am again reminded that it is only when we understand our own desperate need for salvation that we are willing to look outside of ourselves and up to the outstretched hands of God.

I was pretty desperate when I came to Christ. I am sure both my parents loved me and wanted to meet my needs, but they were just as lost as I was with a hundred times the responsibility. As a result our home life was tumultuous. I was about five years old and I was starving for stability.

Somehow I got invited to a vacation Bible school in a gospel preaching church in my hometown of Mountain Home, Idaho. I wish I knew the name of the church, or the bus driver that drove the bus, or the pastor, but I have not a clue who were these faithful servants to the Lord. All I remember is that on the last day we all sat out and heard a full sermon by the pastor. When he gave an invitation to come forward to receive Christ, I went. I went because somehow I knew that a Heavenly Father was waiting to make me His child, and I wanted that enough to step out in front of total strangers. I lady came and talked to me about asking Jesus into my heart, and I did so immediately.

I wish I could say I have always responded to the Holy Spirit that obediently, but anyone who knows me, believers and unbelievers, knows that is not true. But, I do know this: That seemingly incidental happening changed the course of my life and my eternal destiny. And while I cannot boast a life not scarred by my own willful sin, I can boast that Jesus has never turned is back on me.

As a result, I am not the same. I am not the same person I was before I got saved. I am not the same person I was before I committed my life to following Christ. I am not same person I was ten years ago: I am not even the same person I was ten weeks ago. Christ has been patiently drawing me more to Himself, and I would not have it any other way.

Do I have change? More than you could imagine, dear one.