The Goodness of God - When We Are Underserving

I recently utilized the drive through services of a local eating establishment to order breakfast for my wife and me. This is a rarity, as we do not often eat breakfast from fast food restaurants. I gave the attendant my order and attempted to pull forward toward the window, when I noticed another car just sitting, partially in the drive through line and partially in the parking lot. I sat for a moment, curious to what was going on. When I finally peered into the window of the car to investigate, I saw a lady counting money. I thought, "maybe she is counting her money to see if she has enough to pay for her meal." I sat a few more minutes, trying to exercise patience, gentleness, and kindness. Hey, I am a pastor, that is what I should do, right?

Finally, I thought, my food was getting cold, so I gently tapped the horn. The lady glared back at me, sat a few more seconds, and finally moved into the lane, proceeded to the window, pays for her meal, and moved on. I approached the window with money in hand to pay for my meal. The associate greets me with a smile, says, "oh no, the lady in front of you paid for your order". Of course, I am taken by surprise and convicted.

Though, I felt I was struggling with patience and understanding, I did not know God

was about to bless me. I did not deserve such a blessing. I had not ordered just a cup of coffee, but two breakfast combos, with coffee. Pricey meals, these days. The mysterious lady blessed us despite my impatience, and she will never even know if I was thankful for her kind act.

The scripture says that while we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for

the ungodly (Romans 5:6). Romans 2:4 challenges us, "do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and long suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?"

We are, by all accounts, unworthy of God's goodness. Yet He has provided daily,

protected daily, and blessed us daily with heavenly gifts, and calls us His children.

Oh, that we could take the time to show appreciation by thanksgiving, by acknowledg-

ing His goodness to us for it is most often dispersed when most often undeserved.

-Pastor