Looking for the One Who Is a Stranger at Your Door

We live in a broken world, but as followers of Jesus, we are his ambassadors. We carry his presence. When someone walks onto your property, they encounter the presence of God. It never ceases to amaze me how strangers will open up and welcome a time of prayer.

One day, a delivery van pulled up to our house, and a young man got out. The Spirit of the Lord prompted me to meet him. How did I know? Because as I saw his face, I had compassion for him.

I met Ronald and thanked him for bringing us the package. Most drivers are pressed for time and sometimes run back to their vehicles. But when you are looking for the one, Jesus makes time stand still. When Ronald turned to leave, I asked about his day, and he froze in place. He talked about his busy day and said there were only two deliveries left. He was no longer in a hurry because he sensed the presence of God.

As we walked toward the garage, Ronald began to share about his life. He had grown up in Nashville but moved to St. Paul because he needed to get some things squared away. I asked about his family, and he told me about his two daughters and son. His face beamed with pride as he talked about having a job and providing for his family.

“Have you found a church home yet?”

“No. I just haven’t gotten around to it.”

I gave him the names of two churches in the area and told him about a ministry app. “If you ever need prayer, open this app and tap in your request. Within moments, people from around the world can be praying for you.”

“I need prayer.”

“How can I pray for you?”

After a long pause, “I just need prayer.”

When I pray for strangers, I picture them standing in front of Jesus. I try to imagine his heart for them. I try to see the look in his eyes as he looks into their eyes. Then I begin to pray. Over and over, I’ve heard people gasp or begin to break down as they sense the heart of Jesus for them. When you are standing in front of someone that Jesus is looking for, he prays through you.

I told Ronald I could see what a hard worker he was. He nodded and turned away, but then he turned back. As we fist-bumped, he said, “No one has ever talked to me like this.”

Sometimes looking for the one is just listening to the knock at your door.

God, may this home be an embassy for you. May visitors sense your presence and be drawn to you. Please give me the honor of practicing hospitality in a way that brings people into a relationship with you.