Sometimes Instant is Better

- Pastor Terry Townsend

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” Ephesians 5:15-16 (NLT)

Three friends and business owners were in Nashville for the weekend, intent on having a good time! Arriving at their hotel early in the morning, they noticed something strange –no employees at the front desk.

Other hotel guests soon began arriving to check in as well.

After checking for dead bodies behind the counter and in the office, these three friends answered phones, checked in guests, and even set up the breakfast buffet! They called the hotel’s general manager, who was in California and had no idea what was happening. The three friends continued to keep working.

Of course, they also made a TikTok video stating, “When you arrive at the hotel, and there is no staff, you have a new job. We’ve been working for two hours.” Finally, an employee showed up and told them they could check in but had to pay a $25 resort fee!

Just then, a general manager from an affiliated hotel walked in and overruled the employee, giving them a complimentary room. The exhausted friends went to their room, ready to fall asleep. When they opened the door, they saw someone sleeping in the room!

Heading down to the lobby, they begged their new general manager friend for a room at his hotel, finally expressing their feelings about their impromptu place of employment.

They were finally given three free suites and complimentary breakfast at an upgraded hotel.

Why am I telling you this story? Because these three friends made the most of an unexpected opportunity to make a difference.

They could have complained or sulked, but they took something negative – maybe the worst hotel experience ever – and turned it into something positive.

What’s happening in your life now that makes you feel like a guest at Nightmare Hotel?

How can you invite Jesus into your situation to redeem it into something positive?

Make a Difference

What outlook do you usually have when something negative happens? Take a moment and ask God to help you turn a negative situation from today into something positive.

As You Read:

As we continue the journey of the Israelites in the wilderness, remember that positive outcomes are birthed out of unexpected situations. When God asks us to do something unusual, we must embrace a different perspective, which can only happen when we invite Him in.