"Lord, help me."

You just never know what the person you rub shoulders with is going through... Sometimes on Wednesday nights (if we are in Chattanooga), Becca and I plan a date night after church. We come home, we spend time together as a family in prayer and Bible reading, and then we send the kids to bed. I run out for a pizza from our favorite local pizza joint, and Becca and I spend the rest of the evening hanging out. I recently gave Mark, the manager, one of Drew' Gospel tracts. When I entered his store last night, the cooks were leaving and the assistant was stacking chairs and sweeping the place out. Mark handed me my pizza and said, "I read your son's story, and was deeply touched. I needed that, Mr. Ben. Thank you for sharing that." He went on to open up his heart. He shared some of his struggles, desires, and life issues. As my pizza cooled and the store closed, Mark and I discussed life, the Bible, and the answers found in Jesus Christ. Mark assured me that he was a believer, but admitted that he was not where he wanted to be spiritually. I asked Mark if I could pray for him, his wife and his 2 children. He looked surprised, but immediately said, "sure." Right there, on either side of the counter, Mark and I entered the throne room of heaven and worshiped the Lord like the Canaanite women I read about this morning in Matthew 15:25 who said, "Lord, help me." With emotion brimming in his eyes, Mark and I shook hands, and I headed home. I don't know what God has planned, but I am looking forward to following up with Mark when possible. I share this story to encourage you to keep your eyes lifted up today. Lift up your eyes on high (Isaiah 40:26), and then lift up your eyes on the harvest (John 4:35). Every person we meet today needs Christ or could use some encouragement. Share Christ with others today. :) Kingdom first!