Wal-Mart Warning

Had a new experience on Friday that I'd like to share.  We had go to Walmart (Like Jesus had to go through Samaria) to pick up some stuff as we are preparing for Azariah's arrival.  We also were getting some cheese dip stuff for Anchor rehearsal. 

We're looking at the Wii games, and playing with the mostly broken models of the games sicking off the glass display cases, when to our surprise, an alarm went off.  I immediately saw that it was the fire alarm in the store, with a very loud beeping, and lights that were flashing on the ceiling.  Sara thought that we had accidentally pried the glass case open, and set an alarm off, (which we are know to do when my children see how far the cameras stretch.) 

I was, well, alarmed, and told my family to get in the cart, and we'd make our way to the front of the store without panicking.  As we were walking at a quick pace, we began to look silly, because everyone else went about their shopping.  Every once in a while, I'd see someone looking around trying to figure things out, but did not what to be seen trying to figure things out. 

I figured it was an test, but I also figured I was responsible for 6 YOUNG LIVES, and I couldn't risk it.  We didn't go all the way out of the store, though.  When we got to the front, we noticed that the workers went on about their business as well, so it couldn't be too series.  However, I decided to stay at the front near the exits to make sure.

It was at that point that I started thinking about the situation.  Most people in the store were like us, and heard the alarm.  However, I didn't see anyone react!  Turns out it was a "test" of some sort, but if it was a test to the shoppers, we failed terribly. 

As we stood at the front with our fingers in our ears, the situation moved my evangelistic mind.  I'm sure you've already put it together.  The alarm for flames sounded, and people went on shopping w/ out a second thought.  I knew that as soon as the alarm quited, there would be a quick "lull" in noise level.....kinda like whenever you're in a crowd, and someone turns the music off, everyone gets quite.  That would be my cue.

I leaned over to Sara, and mentioned my humiliating plan to her.  I asked if she would stay beside me with the kids so no one would think I was a terrorist and try to tackle me.  Sure enough, the alarm stopped, and with the power of the Holy Spirit, I opened my mouth immediately in the lull.

"IF I COULD HAVE YOUR ATTENTION....."  And proceeded to remind them of the warning of the judgement of God.  I reminded them that we just celebrated the Christmas season, and many went on without paying attention to the warning that you do indeed need a Savior!  I quoted John 3:16, and ask God to bless them. 

Within that 90 seconds, most listened, one heckled, and one praised. 

After talking so loud, I had a blood rush to my head.  We walked casually away to the back of the store, feeling satisfied that we had been obedient. 

God, please help each person that heard to be warned, alarmed, convicted, and give them the faith needed to trust You.

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www.FrankAragon.com
Oh Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth your praise.  Psalm 51:13