#65  CONQUERING PUBLICLY

After waiting three hours just to get a prescription renewed, taking care of other errands, missing lunch,  finding a business closed early, I knew I was being buffeted by the enemy.  Spiritual battle.  I finally parked my tired self at my favorite little fish and chip restaurant.  I had not eaten all day due to unexpected delays so I was looking forward to this treat.  Jesus escorts me everywhere I go.  I do  not dine alone, as some may think. 

Maybe that was a good thing I hadn't eaten all day,  because with less food it helps me be more sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit.  Little did I know I would have opportunity to be used by God. 

There were four staff and three customers plus myself in the restaurant.  Half way through my  meal a man sat two tables from me, facing me.  Each of us were at a table for two.  He spoke loudly.  I thought he was talking on the phone, but could not see any device.  He continued to be loud, complained time and again about menu prices.  It appeared he was talking to himself, loudly; whether as an attention getter or not, I did not know.  So I decided to just mind my own business.   

I wondered if staff would approach him and attempt to have him be more quiet.  It did not happen.  In fact, the waitress did not go to his table at all, probably because it was obvious he had not made a decision on what to order.  He continued to be loud and complain.

I asked the Lord if this man was under the influence of alcohol.....or drugs.....or had a mental problem.....did not get a witness on any of the above.  Just then, the man yelled out the price of another item, followed by using the Lord's Name in vain very loudly.

I felt like I got slapped in the face because my spirit was grieved as well as the Holy Spirit in me.  This man was cursing Someone I love dearly!  It was decision time for me now.  A teaching I have heard echoed  within:  "You Can Change The Atmosphere!"

Then another word popped up within: "Opportunity!"  WOW  (God knows how to get a message through.) If I DIDN'T speak up it would be a missed opportunity. I would be a HEARER and NOT a DOER.   I took a breath, said, "Help me Jesus".  I looked at the man directly and said as loudly as he spoke:  

"I LOVE JESUS CHRIST!!  BUT YOUR CONSTANT COMPLAINING IS INTERRUPTING MY DINNER!!"

The man and I locked eyes and in a split second he lowered his head and twice... said he was sorry.  Then he said, with head bowed low...."Please forgive me." I answered loud enough to be sure he heard me, "I Do." because I did not want him under condemnation.  Then he pulled his tuque off his bald head, and continued to keep his head down.

I did not look at him after that, I just finished my dinner and left.  Since management did attempt to silence the rude man I did not turn around to greet them as I left.  I simply departed quietly, not looking back.  What came to mind was a quiet soft voice: "Mission Accomplished." I walked out feeling different than when I entered.  Full tummy, yet souls at risk.   (A tree is known by its fruit.  The righteous are bold as a lion.  No boldness in Christ, no righteousness....)  Caring....costs.  

The spiritual battle ensued.  Next, I rebuked the lies of the enemy trying to make me feel bad for embarrassing the man.  He embarrassed himself with his own fruit of his mouth.  I simply stopped it from continuing.  As I now took control over the enemy's thoughts against my mind it made me conscious of the constant spiritual battle.  To not rebuke negative accusatory thoughts means letting a nest be built in my mind and that is not wise.  So I took dominion over such thoughts in the Name of Jesus.  It is one thing to recognize a thought as from the enemy; another thing to rebuke it and not let it build a nest. 

When I walked out of that restaurant it was not with any kind of 'yahoo' feeling at all.  I was annoyed that a treat for dinner had to be marred by someone who allowed the enemy to use his mouth.  I knew it was God who gave me courage, boldness, right tone, so as not to condemn, and compassion, yet the so called victory was bittersweet.

To not take a stand when such a thing happens is to deny Christ and I will not do that.  Yet of all the people in there, all of whom would be over forty years of age, noone else said one word.  I looked up before finishing my meal, and one female customer was staring at me expressionless.  We made eye contact, I gave a small smile, saw question marks in her eyes, no 'return' smile; so I looked away.  Surely she understood that I was speaking up against cursing.  So her response was surprising as she would have been at least sixty years of age.  Just because someone has white hair does not mean there is wisdom in the heart, obviously. 

 The atmosphere definitely changed because you could have heard a pin drop for the next ten minutes.  It made me wonder what the others were thinking.  Would they be nudged to take a stand for Jesus Christ some day soon?  I pray if so, they pass the test. I know I did, thankfully.  Would you?  Be instant in season and out of season, not just in the restaurant.  You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.  Phil. 4:19

Written By: Linda Lou Jones

                      PS.45:1 My tongue is the pen

                      of a ready writer.

                      Glory To God