Divine Appointments
"Do not boast about tomorrow for you do not know what a day will bring forth" - Proverbs 27:1
No matter how we plan and prepare, each day brings its own unexpected encounters. No matter how predicatable and mundane our lives may feel, surprises always waits around the corner to embrace us. These in my words, are called "divine appointments". A divine appointment may be a wonderful contact with a long-last friend or an unexpected emergency that takes you to a hospital waiting room. You may meet a new person or lose a loved one. You may reach a long-desired goal or may have to put aside a cherished dream. There will always be many detours, disasters and unexpected delights scattered along the path of life.
Sometimes divine encounters can be dramatic or surprising. When the angel came to Mary she was afraid, but she said yes to God. Jesus confronted Paul on the road to Damascus, and Paul'd entire life changed with that one single encounter. AMEN! Philip met the Ethiopian eunuch on the road and ended up explaining the Scriptures to him and baptizing him. But not all divine appointments take place in unusual circumstances. God brings people together in the course of their daily round. Paul met Lydia when he went down to the river to where a regular prayer meeting was being held. Peter and John were on their way to afternoon prayer in the temple in Jerusalem when they met and healed a man crippled from birth. "The Lord performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted". (Job 5:9). A casual encounter can have a life-changing effects when God is at work through His people. AMEN!
Let us keep in mind that though we may be unable to change a situation, we will have control over how we respond. When our plans are interrupted, let us take a deep breath and take time to think before we react. Let us take care of the need that is confronting us at the moment. Let us look at each person who needs something from us as if he or she is sent from God. Does that make sense? Let us say a quick prayer and ask God to guide us with patience and wisdom. Let us trust the process and be open to God's leading through the unexpected.
Let us realize that each encounter is DIVINE APPOINTMENT, each problem another opportunity for God to show us His faithfulness. When a difficult situation arises, will we choose to rest in HIM? When a desired outcome is delayed, are we willing to listen for the lesson in the detour? Are we willing to receive the unexpected gifts a day brings and be open to divine appointments?
Points to Ponder....
1. Understand that you are finite and God will take control of things beyond your control.
2. Listen for God's wisdom in every situation.
3. Look for the lesson in each detour, delay and unexpected delight.
4. Be flexible when the unexpected enters the day
5. Remember that God works all things together for good of those who love Him.
6. Look at each person you encounter as somone God has sent into your life.
In His Service
