An Interruption? A Disappointment? Or Divine Appointment?

Do you believe in divine appointments? I do. Throughout the bible we see many examples where God directs the faithful to cross someone’s path and bam!, great things occur. (Esther becoming queen and saving her people, Philip leaving a successful revival to go meet an Ethiopian eunuch in the middle on nowhere, etc.)

Have you considered that unwelcomed interruptions, delays, or disappointments could be divine appointments, which often requires faith, as we initially don’t see God’s hand at work? I recall walking away from our dream home we watched being built and instead moving into a rental several blocks away. We met incredible neighbors that God allowed us to share our lives with and have become close friends. Many of Jesus’ miracles were interruptions in His busy life (turning water into wine, raising Lazarus, healing lots of people, etc.)

This poem says it well.

Coincidences, accidents, or interruptions are NOT part of God’s vocabulary because He enjoys making sure we are in the right place at the right time. However, we have to listen and then obey in faith. Do you look for ways to make people feel welcome with a smile or looking them in the eye? Do you see your God-given assignment as the person on the elevator, behind the coffee counter, at the playground, etc?

A divine appointment is a meeting occurring in ones daily rhythm of life, usually unexpected, with another person that has been specifically and unmistakably orchestrated by God in an unimaginable way.  At times, God wants to bless us or desires us to help someone in need.

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” Colossians 4:5

Sadly, there have been times I ignored the nudging of the Holy Spirit as I rationalized away my responsibility to say or do something because I was to busy or feared rejection.

I’m thankful for the times of obedience when God has used me.  I pray for awareness to many more opportunities to love others through kind words, acts of service, and as spirit lead.

I recall a time when my girls and I took a train from San Diego to LA and met Larry on the metro.  He sadly sat watching my girls so I engaged him in conversation. He shared the tragic story of recently losing his daughter Elizabeth (Bethy) in a horrific car accident the previous month. His pain saddened me and all I could do was pray. So there on the metro and all weekend my girls and I prayed for him. When returning to San Diego by train I sensed a nudge from the Holy Spirit that I was to follow up with Larry but how? This task seemed impossible but with God anything is possible (Luke 18:27, Matthew 19:26). I tried reasoning with God but I felt Him say go to information booth. Finally, in obedience I nervously approached the young lady behind the window and explained I was looking for a possible employee I met by the name of Larry. I continued, “he recently lost his youngest daughter Bethy in a car accident.”  The attendant’s eyes got big like saucers, filled with tears, and she said, “Oh my gosh, yes, he is my father and Bethy was my sister!”   In disbelief I cried, as I was able to see God do what I thought was impossible. Needless to say I was given his address and my faith, as well as my daughters, increased.

In June we drove from Portland to San Francisco stopping the night in Redding, CA to visit a dear couple that we admired. The husband asked if he could share something with us the next morning, which he forgot at home. I’m thankful he wasn’t too busy as it was his daughter’s 30^th birthday and his family was in town for the upcoming wedding of his son. Excitedly he gave us a drawing he did and explained the meaning.  What he shared greatly encouraged us and provided clearer direction in regards to a situation we had been discussing.  God then nudged me to express my appreciation for their family ministry while sharing the impact it had on my family. Two day’s later I received an email that he had unexpectedly passed away. His words and time meant so much to me as I grieved his passing.

When I am available to God’s prompting, blessings are to be had. However, if I am to busy or embarrassed by how I will be perceived, God will simply use someone else to be His instrument.  I never know whom I will meet or what will be accomplished when I follow the calling of Jesus. What a joy to be part of His grand adventure as He leads Psalm 37:23

Will you begin to look at the interruptions and disappointments in your life as God’s divine appointments?  Step out in faith, as you never know whose life you will bless or how your life might be encouraged.