You May Be the One
Monday, November 3, 2025 by Melissa McLaughlin

By Melissa McLaughlin

We cruised through the store. We needed only one item—a pack of batteries. Thankfully, this small errand took on unexpected joy.

Our eyes darted about, gazing at the flurry of activity. Busy shoppers flitted through shelves overflowing with seasonal goodies. Smiles lit our faces as we passed colorful displays of cozy sweaters, fuzzy slippers, and scented soaps.

When we approached the checkout counter near the front of the store, however, our smooth sail came to an abrupt halt. In front of each cash register, shoppers waited with carts piled high, a return item, a question about the sales circular, someone applying for a store credit card, or some other issue.

Our earlier momentum deflated, like air escaping from a balloon. Five minutes passed, then ten. With slumped shoulders, we adjusted our weight and reached out to lean on the display counter nearby.

Finally, one customer moved away from a cash register to resolve her issue with a store manager.

“At last!” I thought, my shoulders lifted.

The cashier’s eyes flashed. A grimace wrinkled her face. “I’m sorry, but the register had a system failure. It has to reboot.”

“Oh boy,” I whispered to myself. “If it’s not one thing, it’s something else.” Our quick stop for a pack of batteries felt like an unending trek up a mountainside.

After another five minutes, the cashier called me over.

Her jaw clenched, and her brows furrowed. “I am truly sorry you had to wait so long.”

My heart went out to this cashier. She was just trying to do a good job. The massive checkout lines and faulty register added pressure to her stressful day. She looked at me cautiously, watching my reaction.

“Oh, it’s okay. No problem,” I reassured her. “You can’t help it. Technology always seems to give out at the worst times.”

With each word that I spoke, her face relaxed. Her smile widened, her body perked up, and her whole countenance transformed.

“Thank you for being so understanding.” Her relieved voice brightened with warmth. She breathed out, exhaling with relief.

By the time we finished the transaction, the cashier’s eyes sparkled. “Have a good day!”

“Thank you, you do the same,” I grinned back. “And I hope your register works well from here on out.”

“Me, too!” She laughed.

In that moment, the thought occurred to me, “You may be the one God chose for this.”

Perhaps God knew this cashier needed a kind customer to offer an encouraging word and help reset her perspective for the day.

Perhaps God knew my long wait in line—for one pack of batteries—was so that I could minister to this cashier and help relieve her anxiety.

Perhaps God allowed this minor inconvenience to me, so I could be a blessing to someone else. A blessing that could change the course of her day.

Although the frustration I faced in this situation was minor, the lesson applies to bigger areas of life.

Are you going through a difficult season? Are you facing surgery or a hospital stay? Are you stuck in a stressful job environment? Or bearing some other burden.

Have you ever thought that you may be the one?

You may be the one God chose to undertake that challenging circumstance, so you would be in the perfect position to help someone else who is struggling there.

Without thorny detours, how would we cross paths with the person who needs exactly what God has endowed us to give?

Whatever you are facing today, remember that God is with you. He loves you with an everlasting love. And He can use you and me in ways we can’t imagine. Right where we are.

In the pain, in the frustration, in the weakness. Maybe you are the one God chose to help someone else who is there with you.

Can you remember a time God used you unexpectedly to help someone else?

Esther 4:14 (ESV) - And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

1 Corinthians 1:27 - But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.

P.S. Have you read my new award-winning book, The Whole Bible Devotional: Seeing Jesus in Every Book of the Bible? If not, I hope you’ll check it out! It comes with a free downloadable Small Group Study Guide. Makes a great book for small groups, individual or home study, or Sunday School classes. Available at Amazon and other major retailers.

Comments

Rachel Kaplan From CT At 11/14/2025 8:48:29 PM

This was the perfect story of how kindness can make a difference that I was looking for! I always find such great reads on here. Thank you!

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Thank you, Rachel, for stopping by to read and offer a word of encouragement! God has used YOU countless times to be the one to offer kindness to me and to so many others. God bless you!

Ellie Parks From Philadelphia At 11/11/2025 8:23:20 AM

Yup! That's it. :)

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

So good to hear from you, Ellie! May God bless you and your wonderful writing ministry!

Mary Anne Sansom From PA At 11/10/2025 9:01:18 PM

Great article, Melissa. I was recently in a line like that. The store is closing so there were a lot of people. The one ahead of me must have had at least 15 items which weren’t ringing up correctly. Had to call the manager and re-ring all. I didn’t say anything. Tried to be kind and smile at

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

In those stressful moments, we are perfectly positioned to shine Christ's grace and compassion. May we keep shining for Him! God bless you, Mary Anne!

Jessica Brodie From SC At 11/10/2025 12:44:49 PM

I love this, and you are SO RIGHT -- sometimes we are the one who needs to show Jesus to another person, whether that's a smile or something else.

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

So true, Jessica! It doesn't need to be something big. Sometimes it is a smile, a hug, or a kind word. The smallest acts of kindness can change everything. God bless you!

Karen Friday From TN At 11/7/2025 9:00:00 PM

Wow, Melissa. This really made me think about God positioning me in the right place to encourage someone. I remember hearing that when a seeking soul meets a willing witness, that's a divine appointment. Your story reminded me of that. God bless.

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Thank you for sharing that definition of a divine appointment. I love that! May we always be available to God to be used for His purposes. Even in the tough times. God bless you!

Yvonne Morgan From Oklahoma At 11/5/2025 8:16:59 PM

Thank you Melissa. God can use us as the one especially when we live for Christ. Great message, so important.

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Yes, it's true, Yvonne. And He can use us in the valleys of life, too. May we be ready and willing to shine His light, even in the dark places.

Charlanne Tippett From Richfield, NC At 11/5/2025 9:36:32 AM

As always, love, love, LOVE this, Melissa! ????

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Dear Charlanne, thank you for your kind encouragement! You are a blessing to me! God bless you!

Warren McLaughlin From Pennsylvania At 11/4/2025 6:09:54 PM

When I think of the verse, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart ...," it helps. Sadly, I don't usually think of it when I'm in the moment.

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

That's a good verse to remember. May God use His Word and Spirit to guide us always, especially when we find ourselves in frustrating or difficult circumstances.

Melissa Henderson From Mount Pleasant SC At 11/4/2025 7:40:38 AM

Amen. I believe God gives us opportunities to shine His love and light. Those opportunities can come through small moments, tough interactions, and other ways. I pray we are open and ready to share His love. Have a blessed week! :-)

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

I pray the same, Melissa. Sometimes a small word of kindness can carry someone a long way. Thank you for always shining Jesus's light! God bless you!

Spiritual Life

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