God Connection

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As a speaker trainer for Stonecroft, one responsibility that I seldom face is sharing negative comments about a speaker’s recent engagement. But a woman had recently stepped over the boundaries and needed to be reminded of them. As I dialed her number, I prayed for wisdom. I had never met this person before, which in some ways made it easier. I didn’t beat around the bush as I explained the reason for my call. At first, she sounded defensive and angry. I listened carefully and gave short replies. She eventually conceded that she may not have followed protocol and hung up. I sighed, relieved that was over, and moved on.

Fifteen minutes later, her number popped up again. She said, “I may not have been as kind as I should have. I’m sorry for getting angry.” I immediately replied, “I forgive you!” and she explained that some stressful things were happening with her adult daughter who has special needs. I related immediately since I am in a similar situation with our son, Ray. We talked for another ten minutes, finding that we had a lot in common. We prayed together as the conversation ended.

That was a God-ordained connection, and I am so thankful that the Lord is with us every moment. He even knows when I will make a new friend, though it caused each of us some anxious moments in the making.

Listen!

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Missionary friends Jan and Calvin* were staying in the ministry house near church. They’d gotten involved with the weekly routine during their time in the States, and Jan mentioned a group of teen girls she wanted to reach out to. “Will you join me?” Jan asked.

“Sure,” I replied. “Sounds like fun. How about we start next Sunday?”  She agreed and we set a time. The ministry house would be ideal. Jan sounded vague about what we would do, mostly just listen to them. I decided to write up a lesson to share.

I showed up Sunday with five copies of what I thought would be a helpful teaching topic—reading the Bible and praying. There were verses to look up and questions to discuss. That should help these kids, I thought.

As the young women arrived and Jan passed a plate of donuts, I pulled out my Bible and the study sheets. Jan looked puzzled but let me proceed. I taught the lesson, the girls looking at the papers with disinterest. The lesson fell short of creating any enthusiasm for the topic. I closed with a perfunctory prayer, and the girls left. Only one showed up the next Sunday.

Jan and I talked about the outcome. She expressed her desire again to just let them talk and show them love by listening. If only I had asked God to lead me or help me follow Jan’s lead rather than moving ahead without really praying or listening to the Holy Spirit. Lesson learned. Listen!

*Names changed to protect their identity.

Rescued!

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“The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever. Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble. I long for your rescue, Lord, so I have obeyed your command. . . Yes, I obey your commands because you know everything I do.” Psalm 119:161-168

Are you facing hard circumstances and longing for rescue? It is wonderful that the ‘very essence’ of the Bible is truth. Knowing that God knows everything I do is motivation to depend on His truth (v 168).  We may rejoice in the treasure of His constant care for us. As we read His word, let’s count the many blessings that come from knowing and applying it. Rescued and kept from stumbling equal great peace, and that’s a sweet place to be.