I had finished my shopping and was heading toward the cash register in the Christian bookstore when I heard the Lord speaking very distinctly within my heart. There was no mistaking His voice. "I want you to buy a Jesus button," He instructed me.

A Jesus button? I couldn't imagine why God would want me to make such a purchase, but I learned long ago not to question His motives. If He wanted me to buy a Jesus button then I would certainly comply. Walking through the aisles, I finally located a large box containing dozens of buttons in all colors and sizes. I rummaged through the box trying to find just the right one. It was difficult to make a choice because of the large selection available.

Finally I decided upon a very small button costing only thirty-five cents. It was light blue and matched my coat. There was no message, but only a simple gold cross in the center of the button. If I was to wear a religious button, this discrete one was certainly the most acceptable of the lot.

And then I heard God speak again. "No, not that one! Buy the red one!"

I once again looked into the box and then I saw it! It was the largest button I had ever seen, nearly the size of a saucer. To make matters worse, it was blood red and in big white letters it boldly stated, "Jesus changed my life!"

"Lord," I protested, "I can't wear that button! I'm a dignified, middle-aged woman! Surely you don't mean THAT button."

All sorts of arguments rose up within me, but I knew they wouldn't do any good. God had made His selection and it was the big red button. Now it was up to me to make my choice. I could chose to obey or I could walk out of the store empty-handed. I chose to obey.

I went over to the counter and paid the clerk for the button, a total of $4.95 plus tax. As she reached for a bag, I interrupted her. "That's all right. I don't need a bag. I'm going to wear it!"

She looked at me like I was crazy. "You're going to wear THAT button?" As she watched, I quickly pinned it onto my light blue coat, thankful that there was no mirror handy. I left the store hoping that I could get to my car without meeting anyone that I knew.

That was the beginning of a humbling experience as I dealt with self-consciousness, pride, rejection and a whole gamut of other assorted emotions. The button was a stumbling block not only to me, but also to everyone who confronted it on my coat. It left people speechless and no one even mentioned the bright red button.

As the weeks turned into months, I actually learned to like the button. Obedience felt good. Sometimes I would even forget I was wearing it until I noticed the expression on someone's face as we passed on the sidewalk.

And then three months later the miracle took place. A young woman in the grocery store noticed the button and suddenly asked "How did Jesus change your life?"

As I told her about the love of God through Jesus Christ, she received the gospel message and asked Jesus to come into her heart. Why? Because I was willing to make a fool of myself and wear a big red Jesus button. God's ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best and never cease to amaze me? Does anyone want a "used" Jesus button? I have one available.