I have the coolest story to tell you. I’m still just in awe of God and how He works.
As you know, I had my Restore – Soul Care for Moms event two weeks ago. It was wonderful! It took a team of people to put it together, there were so many details and moving parts.
Because we were going to be in the building from 3 -11 PM with set up and tear down, I wanted to provide a meal to the volunteers, speakers and worship band. I looked at several options, including Chick-Fil-A, Zupas, Jimmy Johns and various pizza places. Cost-wise, it seemed like pizzas were the best option.
A week before Restore, I spoke to a MOPS group in Chandler. It was a Thursday and usually I go to Toastmasters Thursdays from noon-1 PM. I finished my MOPS talk around 11:30, but instead of heading to Toastmasters like I had planned, I felt like I should go run an errand for Restore, grab some lunch and then head to a 1:30 meeting.
I ran my errand and while driving, I pondered where I should stop to eat. I felt a gentle nudge in my thoughts to go to Chick-fil-A near the Chandler mall. So I headed that way. I even remember thinking, Okay, Lord, you must have something for me at Chick-fil-A. I’ll be on the lookout and am open to the reason you want me to be there.
As I drove, the thought popped into my head about asking Chick-fil-A if they’d consider donating the meal I needed to provide for the Restore team. Yikes!
Let me tell you that I cringe just thinking about having to ask about something like this. I don’t know why, but I fear asking for donations and have a hard time asking for help in general. I don’t know where this came from, but I hate bothering people and I never want to be an inconvenience. Maybe it’s just an introvert thing…? Or maybe I just have issues. It’s probably both, haha!
But then, God reminded me of part of James 4:2: “…you have not, because you ask not.”
Wow! I knew these thoughts were from God and not my own. Okay, Lord, I thought, I’ll ask.
When I got in line at the restaurant, it was extremely busy from the lunch rush. When it was my turn at the register, a very nice gentleman took my order and struck up conversation. Since I was wearing my business-like speaking clothes, he asked about what I did for work. I explained that I’m a writer and speaker and had come from one job and was headed to a meeting.
He asked what I write and speak about, so I explained that I do a lot in the faith industry, for churches, MOPS groups, etc. Wouldn’t you know it that he’s also a writer and goes to the church just down the street from mine? I also noticed that it said “Marketing Director” on his name tag.
Because of the lunch rush, we ended our conversation quickly and I found a seat. As I ate, I knew that he was the person I should ask about donating the food. Because he was so friendly and we had something in common, it seemed less intimidating.
Except then he disappeared from behind the cash registers. This was the out I probably would have taken any other day. Except this day, I knew God was in it and He had given me the idea to ask. I wanted to be obedient even though it pushed me out of my comfort zone.
I stopped to get a refill of my tea when he came out from the kitchen. He said he was glad he found me because he wanted to ask me more about my writing. I said, “I’m glad I found you too because I feel like God wants me to ask you something.”
So, to make this story shorter, I’ll just say that my new friend Kaleb at Chick-fil-A Chandler Festival, graciously donated all the food for our team meal! As a thank-you, I provided them with a sponsorship and two event tickets, so Kyle’s wife (who I actually got to meet the same day I asked for the donation) and one of her friends were able to attend Restore. We were all blessed by this God-orchestrated interaction at Chick-fil-A!
I am still blown away by how God works: He speaks to us in that still small voice in our spirit, we just need to be aware of it! He also reminded me that we just need to ask for what we need. God is eager to provide for us and He’ll provide it in His own special way!
What do you need to ask God for today? What do you need to ask another person for help with? Take that step of faith and see what happens!
PS. I’d love to hear about it, send me an e-mail or leave a comment on the blog.
