Humility.

“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” ~ C.S. Lewis

One of the things I wanted to grow in this summer was that of humility. I had found myself thinking of myself more and more, dwelling on my present circumstances and neglecting in putting my identity in Christ.

I had recently been walking around Manchester, where I had the opportunity to share the gospel with a homeless gentleman. There is a moment: when the Holy Spirit is whispering to you, putting it on your heart to act out in obedience. He asks of you in that moment to lay your interests aside and trust that he has something better in store than what you could ever imagine. This was one of those moments for me.

I was with the other four interns that I was serving with in Manchester, and we were on our way back from having dinner. We headed to a shop to pick up some ice cream to bring back to the house with us and that is when I saw him. A man in his late thirties, early forties, sitting outside the shop asking for change. Initially, I walked passed him and entered the shop, but as I walked further into the shop, the heavier my heart got.

I decided to leave my group (stealthy, as to not draw attention) and go outside to speak with the gentleman. I approached him, putting aside my agenda and my fear of socialising with a stranger (#socialanxiety), and simply asked: “Sir, what do you need?”

Surprised, he initially fumbled over his words. After the initial shock, he simply said that he would love a Coca Cola and a sweet cake. I told him I would be more than happy to bring him those things. After spending some time in the shop, being indecisive on which cake to buy for the man, I made my way outside.

I handed the man the items he had requested and proceeded to kneel beside him. I introduced myself to him and asked him what his name was. “My name’s Dale,” he said in a thick British accent. In God’s providence (because I am never prepared haha), I had a gospel track, the gospel of John, in my bag. I took out the track and asked Dale if he would be able to do me a favour. He was willing and I asked him if he would read the track. After agreeing to read it, I explained to him what it was about. I was able to share the gospel and explained what Jesus had done for him on the cross.

Dale admitted that he had fallen from the faith a while ago and had recently come back, but had fallen on hard times. He said that he had experienced some health issues, had fallen on hard times financially and was sleeping in the doorway of an old, abandoned building. I asked if he had any family he could stay with, but he claimed that there was no one; only his mother who he was ashamed to go back to.

“Dale, would you be okay if I prayed with you?” At this, his eyes lit up and nodding his head said, “Yes.” I was able to pray for Dale, his situation, his health, and reiterated the truth of the gospel. Though his situation didn’t change in that moment, a seed was planted. I left that conversation feeling so blessed, so encouraged. I had people tell me that Dale was blessed in the moment, but I would honestly say it was the other way around.

As Christians, when we allow the Holy Spirit to lead, big and beautiful things happen. I was blessed in that moment by Dale because he showed me what the Lord could do through us when we simply humble ourselves and remain obedient to him.

This is in no way meant to build myself up. In Christ, we are saints (check out Philippians 1), but we still struggle and sin. But, the Lord is continuing to teach me and give me opportunities to humble myself, place my identity in him and allow him to work through the present circumstances.