Good News Tucson - A Family Values Magazine

We're Going Shopping

Just say the phrase "we're going shopping" and this will release different emotions in each listener. For some, it's pure joy and excitement, for others it's dread! Some folks just love to shop, even spending hours just "window shopping," walking through malls and stores. For others, shopping is a necessary task that is simply endured!

Whatever your disposition toward shopping, it's something that we all do as a part of life. I wonder, was Jesus a "shopper" and would He "window shop" if He were among us today?

It turns out that Jesus was always "busy about His Father's business." Sometimes the Father's business took Him into the marketplaces where He interacted with the people. Most of the healings and miracles that Jesus did were outside of the synagogue walls or religious services. The healings and miracles He performed demonstrated that He is the Son of God, and that God's desire is to free people from the oppression of sickness and disease. The early Christians understood this, and demonstrated the resurrection power of Christ on the streets and in the markets through healings and miracles.

This is still God's desire, to free people in ordinary life settings from the oppression of sin, illness and disease. Through Christ, believers today have the privilege to bring salvation, healing and deliverance to those in need. Like Christ and the early disciples, God's desire is that Christians would carry His love and power into the streets and marketplaces of our society. It's amazing what happens when we begin to look at even routine shopping excursions from God's perspective, becoming His hands and feet. Here are some testimonies from a couple of ladies who were just shopping!

"I was in Target when I saw a lady in a scooter. I felt that I was to pray for her and asked her if I could and she said, "Of course." I asked her what the condition was and she explained that she just had surgery on her ankle, but that it was still in pain and hard to walk on. She also said that she had a progressive degenerative disease that would require further surgery on her other ankle and her knees. I began praying for her and felt heat. The Holy Spirit led me to pray for her heart and she started crying. I asked her to check her ankle and she was amazed to realize that it felt better, saying "I don't usually move it like that." She said thank you and to keep it up (asking strangers if they need prayer). She was touched by Jesus in Target!"

"In Wal-Mart as I was checking out, I noticed the clerk rubbing her ear and the side of her neck. I asked if she was okay and she answered, "No, I'm in a lot of pain." I asked if I could pray and she agreed. I reached my hand towards her and rebuked all pain and whatever was causing the pain. She felt hot all over. I believe the Lord touched her that day. Most of all, she felt His love and presence and was very grateful for the prayer."

Christians, the next time you are out shopping, remember that Jesus likes to shop and He wants to use you to be His hands and feet toward those in need.

Bob Sawvelle is the Sr. Pastor at Tucson Area Christian Fellowship. He is married to Carolyn, and they have three daughters. He can be reached at 325-2045.