Jesus Meets You on the Road - Your Nightly Prayer - March 21st

Jesus Meets You on the Road
Your Nightly Prayer
by Chelsey DeMatteis

TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE

They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” - Luke 24:32

SOMETHING TO PONDER

Have you had a come-to-Jesus moment? I have, and frankly, I’ve had many more since “the one” occurred on an actual side of the road. I wasn’t yet walking with Jesus, but I knew who He was, and I never even denied God's existence. I knew God was real, and I believed Jesus was real, but I was blind to the idea that I needed a relationship with Him. Eternity seemed far off, and if I was baptized as a baby, did it really matter anyway? These were the ways I convinced myself I didn’t need to be like those Christian people. That was until I found myself on the side of the road having a very real, very powerful, very supernatural encounter with the Lord.

One morning, I was headed home from a friend's apartment after a long night out, and the next thing I knew, my car was ramped up on the side of the road. I wasn’t paying attention and was entirely exhausted. As my car came to a halt, the first thought that crossed my mind was, “life as I know it is over”. I knew the moment I called my parents, because I was 19, they were going to put some really strict boundaries in place. This wasn’t the first time my lack of responsibility landed me in a difficult situation.

I got out of the car and called my parents in tears. After hanging up, there was a woman who seemed to appear out of nowhere. But she was there, and she approached me. She looked at me, and the words she spoke would soon flip my entire world upside down: “Has anyone told you they love you today?” I was confused. This is what you ask a 19-year-old girl whose car is ramped up on the curb? Through tears, I said, “Probably my mom”. She replied, “God loves you every day. If you need anything, just call.” I was still, as you can imagine, very confused.

What did God's love for me and the offer to “call” her if I needed something have to do with what was going on in my present circumstance? She didn’t even give me a number to call? It went over my head. When my mom came and picked me up, I told her everything. She knew it was the Lord who sent that woman.

Over the next few months, that moment became “the moment” I knew the Lord pursued me in the deepest pit of my life. The way I was living wasn’t working, and the piece that was missing was Jesus. I needed a Savior. I needed His hope, joy, and peace. I needed a new life (in Christ), I wanted an abundant life (from Christ), and my soul was desperate for eternal life (with Christ).

The love of God and the message of Jesus came in the form of a woman who shared, “God loves you every day”. That was it. The love of God was all I needed, and His love met me in a way that changed me forever.

I’m not the only one who has had a side-of-the-road encounter with Christ; Paul did, too. And his life was changed instantly. In Acts chapter 9, we see Jesus meet Paul in a miraculous, supernatural, life-changing way. In an instant, the love of God pierced the brokenness of Paul. Jesus changed everything for him. His life didn’t become easy either; it was actually the exact opposite. He was met with opposition, persecution, and spiritual attacks. However, none of it mattered to him. What he had gained in Christ was all he needed and all he wanted to share with those who would listen.

Jesus changes everything through His life, His love, and His pursuit. Invite Jesus to meet you along the road as you journey through this life. Go looking for Him, and I promise when you find Him, He will change everything; perhaps not circumstantially, but spiritually, He will fill you up and pour out His delight over you.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Father,
Thank you for meeting me on the sides of the road in my journeys. When I lose my way, I pray to regain my awareness of you quickly. I know you long for me to walk with you and rest in the gift of your love. I pray that my life is a testimony that brings glory to your name. You are a faithful Father, full of endless grace and mercy. What a gift it is to be your chosen, beloved child. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. A Personal Encounter with Christ
When have you sensed the Lord pursuing you or opening your understanding? Reflect on how He has revealed Himself through Scripture, circumstances, or conviction.

2. The Condition of Your Heart
Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, does your heart burn when you hear His Word? Ask God to renew your hunger for Scripture and deepen your awareness of His presence.

3. A Life Redirected
Is there an area where you are resisting Christ’s leadership? Consider what full surrender would look like and how trusting Him might reshape your path.

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Katie Moum

Chelsey is the voice behind the Living with Less Podcast and author of the 52-week devotional More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World. She writes devotions for Lifeway Women's Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. She also writes Bible reading plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Chelsey lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and at her website ChelseyDeMatteis.com.

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