Smelling Like an Angel
By Sebastien Braxton
As I knocked on the door, a small-framed, middle-aged woman opened it slightly to greet me. I began explaining that I was going door-to-door selling Christian literature. She quickly interrupted me and asked if I could come back tomorrow. She appeared emotionally disturbed. I leaned upon my own experience and replied, “Ma’am, we don’t usually come back. So, if you’re not interested, it’s perfectly fine. We have some sample books I can offer you for about ten to twenty dollars . . .” Again, she dismissed my comment and requested I come back the next day. I acquiesced and promised to return. The door rapidly closed.
Despite my stubborn resistance to the Spirit, I returned to her home. Before I could even finish knocking, the door opened, and she invited me inside to wait in the kitchen. I was so utterly convinced that this would be a waste of time that I did not even bring all my books inside with me. I soon regretted that decision. Sitting in plain sight was a blank bank check, already signed. This meant that she was ready to purchase the books; she just needed to know the price. I began apologizing to the Spirit for my lack of faith.
Upon her return, she noticed the display I created on her countertop and said, “I will purchase every book you have if you can answer me one question.”
In shock, I said, “Of course, anything!”
“Are you an angel?” she asked.
I shook my head. “No ma’am, I am not an angel.”
“Are you sure you’re not an angel?” she asked suspiciously, squinting.
“Yes, I am positive. You can ask my mother. She’ll tell you,” I said with a slight chuckle. I then asked curiously, “Why would you ask me that?”
Her response changed my entire understanding of how involved God had been in bringing us together. The woman told me that one year prior, she had a dream in which she dialogued with an angel whose face she could not see due to its brightness. When she woke up, thinking it was just a dream, she sat up and realized that the same angel was at the foot of her bed! The angel rapidly flew out the window, and as quickly as she could, she ran to the window to catch a glimpse of him—but to no avail.
As she pulled her head back inside the window, an overpowering smell rested in the room. The smell was pleasant but unfamiliar. She began a search for the source of the smell. She smelled every perfume, cologne, herb, essence, air freshener, any scent she could find. None of them matched. Until I showed up at her door. The woman told me, “You had the smell! I was so overwhelmed that I panicked and asked if you could come back tomorrow. I figured, if you were an angel from God, you would come back. You wouldn’t lie.”
And to think I almost did not return! I nearly missed an opportunity to be a part of a miracle of God by losing my heart for souls in the routine of service.
She went on to say, “Even right now, you still have the smell.” We prayed together and embraced, and she requested Bible studies.
Like a modern-day Cornelius experience (Acts 10), God is preparing someone right now for you. I believe God left that scent over a year before for her to confirm the heavenly authority of whoever bore it again. Thankfully, God is no respecter of persons, and He will gladly give the same experience to anyone willing to offer themselves for the salvation of others. If you are willing to submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit and make yourself available to heaven, then you will “smell like an angel” to a soul God has been preparing to receive His grace and salvation.
Sebastien Braxton is a UX Designer, international speaker and a serial entrepreneur. He is the CEO and co-founder for Luminate, a mobile app that curates audio mediational experiences through the writings of Ellen White. He is the founder of Fiat Lux, a creative design agency that consults with faith-based organizations to leverage technology for the gospel.
Heart Challenge
When we make ourselves available to be used by God, He will orchestrate divine appointments that are not only a blessing to the person we minister to, but they also encourage us in our walk with Christ. Nothing is as thrilling as walking with Jesus and knowing He is working on our behalf as we join Him in His work.
When was the last time you prayed for God to give you divine appointments?
Why not surrender your time, your fears, yourself, to Christ right now, and ask Him to use you to reach somebody for Him today?
Day 11 - Prayer Requests (May 13)
- Pray for specific divine appointments today and this weekend.
- Pray that God would give you a personal Bible study contact and take away any fear in your heart of studying with others.
- Pray for our brothers and sisters in China, who are struggling under religious oppression.
- Pray for believers affected by flooding in Durban South Africa, and in the Philippines.
- Pray for those 7 names on your list. Pray for ways to reach out to them.
Resources to Go Deeper
Here’s Your Church Back – Message by Sebastien Braxton
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