It started on a day I really didn’t want to be kind.

We were in the middle of moving, and I’ll be honest—my attitude wasn’t great. Things weren’t going smoothly. I wasn’t exactly speaking life into the situation. Then the movers pulled up. Two young guys, both probably in their early twenties, drove in from Miami to help us.

I wasn’t saying anything rude, but I also wasn’t saying anything nice. That is, until one of them—his name was Malik—walked into the house.

He looked around and said, “You have such a beautiful house.” Then he turned to me and added, “I’m sorry I didn’t say this already, but good morning. We’re going to try to do the best job we can for you today.”

He said it gently, like it really mattered to him. And in that moment, something softened in me. I looked at him and said, “Thank you. Give me a minute, okay?” I stepped away and prayed.

When the Holy Spirit Interrupts a Bad Mood

I didn’t plan to be spiritual that morning. But as I prayed, I asked, “Lord, what does it look like to show the love of Jesus to these guys?”

The answer came quickly: Buy them lunch.

Simple. Inconvenient. Costly. And undeniably from God.

So I walked out and said, “Guys, I’m ordering Chick-fil-A. What would you like?” They didn’t hold back—ordered the most expensive things on the menu. I thought, Lord, I said I’d obey. Here we go.

It ended up being $60 for three people. But that $60 opened a door.

A Meal That Turned Into Ministry

Over lunch, they started asking me questions. I found out they were born in the same town I grew up in—even though they live in Miami now. It led to a surprising connection.

Then came the question: “What do you do for a living?”

I was so glad I’d already bought lunch. I smiled and said, “I’m a pastor.” That moment opened a spiritual conversation I didn’t expect. One of the guys admitted, “I don’t always like church, but I listen to sermons sometimes.” He asked me to send him some of mine.

I’m not sure if I’ll send him this one. However, the point is that God shows up when we ask Him to—and when we’re willing to obey.

What Self-Control Really Looks Like

That experience reminded me: self-control isn’t just about behavior. It’s about heart posture.

We often think of self-control as gritting your teeth and resisting temptation. But the Holy Spirit showed me it’s also about letting go of pride, complaint, and judgment.

• Complaint is often rooted in pride.
• Judgment keeps us from loving people.
• Harshness flows from fear and entitlement.

If I hadn’t taken that moment to pray, I would’ve missed what God wanted to do—not just through me, but in me.

The Humility Test That Hits Home

There’s a quote from a detective novel I love. The character says four things are tough to say. I’ve come to think of them as a meekness test:

1. I’m sorry.
2. I was wrong.
3. I need help.
4. Will you help me?

Those words can change relationships. They can also change your heart. I’ve found that when I can say these things to my wife, my kids, or my team, something in me softens. And when can I tell them to God? That’s when fundamental transformation begins.

Where Is God Inviting You to Grow?

Let me ask you what I asked myself that day:

Is there an issue in your life that’s “off the table” with God?

Maybe it’s a habit, an attitude, or an indulgence. Something you haven’t prayed about in months. Maybe years.

The Holy Spirit doesn’t show up to guilt-trip you. He shows up to free you. To invite you into a better life—one shaped by peace, surrender, and transformation.

A Simple Prayer for a Transformed Life

Start your day with this:

“Holy Spirit, where am I harsh? Where am I prideful? Would you help me see these areas before I act on them?”