Guest Post—Shadia Hrichi “Sometimes, God Orders Ice Cream”

I saw this post on my friend Shadia Hrichi’s blog and loved it so much I wanted to share it with you:

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Serving God is a great joy and privilege but sometimes, we just make it too complicated. Imagine my surprise today when God used a simple ice cream to teach me a valuable lesson.

I had been at my desk all day struggling to write the same chapter I’ve been wrestling with for weeks. I was praying, studying, confessing and crying out to God, it’s just too hard!

At one point I thought I sensed God say, “let’s go for a walk.” However, I wasn’t sure so I dismissed it. Besides, it was hot outside. So I stayed at my desk, papers and notes and my Bible spread out everywhere. By now, I was trying to suppress the nervous energy causing my legs to bounce incessantly. Then I heard it again, “Let’s go for a walk.” When the Spirit nudges you once and you’re not sure, God is gracious. The second time, it’s best to take notice.

So I put on my sneakers and just before heading out the door, I remembered that I needed eggs. I was planning to bake treats for my Bible study group on Tuesday night. There was a drug store a few blocks away. I almost never take money with me when I go for a walk. This time, I grabbed my wallet and walked out the door. I headed toward the park as I usually do, talking and walking with God. (Not talking out loud, of course, lest I scare the neighbors).

That’s when I saw it. An ice cream truck was parked up ahead at the corner by the playground. I couldn’t even remember the last time I bought an ice cream from a truck. Just the fun of actually standing on line with the kids to buy an ice cream started to lighten my mood.

As God and I continued walking and talking as I ate my ice cream, I marveled at how pausing to enjoy such a simple treat could make such a big difference in one’s day. It was then that I sensed God say, “you see; it doesn’t have to be so complicated.” And I knew exactly what He meant. I had been wrestling with a lot of heavy theology and in doing so, I was losing focus on the heart of the lesson: the delightful treasure; the sweet spot. Only later did I realize the added irony that the lesson I am writing begins with God’s command to Abraham, “walk with me” (Genesis 17:1).

As it turns out, sometimes ice cream really is the answer.

“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103 ESV)

Shadia Hrichi is a passionate Bible teacher who has a heart for seeing lives transformed by the power of God’s Word. She has received a master’s in biblical and theological studies from Western Seminary, as well as a master’s in criminal justice from the State University of New York. Shadia is the author of several books, including HAGAR: Rediscovering the God Who Sees Me, a 7-week in-depth Bible study just released by Leafwood Publishers. In addition to writing books, Shadia is often invited to speak at churches, conferences, and other events. Residing in northern California, Shadia is an active member of Venture Christian Church and loves to visit the ocean each week for “a date with Jesus.” To learn more, visit www.shadiahrichi.com