It’s a Small World

The other day I was returning from a church convention. My mom was celebrating a significant birthday, not that they are not all significant. I left the church gathering a little early so that I could make it to my mom's. I cut across the middle of the state where there were only tiny towns and trees... and trees... and trees. It was a beautiful drive and after connecting onto a larger road, I decided to stop for a break. I went into the gas station. Upon coming out of the bathroom, there was a couple that looked familiar. Then it dawned on me that he was one of the pastors from the convention. He had left two hours before me to do a little sight seeing and we both had a hotel stay that was close to a hundred miles apart from each other. He took a much more northern route and yet we stopped in the same town, at the same station, at the same time. I am always amazed at those connections and wonder how many times we miss someone by a few seconds or we walk past them without noticing. I don’t know why we connected, but since I am not aware of anyone else leaving the convention early, I have to wonder if it was intentional on God’s part. Our churches are nowhere near each other, but when we gather in October for the pastor’s conference, I’m sure we will visit a little longer due to this connection. It made me rethink how many times I have questioned how God could accomplish something by getting everything to happen at the right time and place. Then I look at what I experienced and figure that my issues are not an obstacle for God. As we serve the Lord, we don’t have to know all the details. We don’t have to know how God will accomplish through us what we have been called to do. We don’t even have to know what it is God wants us to do because God is already putting everything in place. What then should be expected of us? We need to be walking by faith, surrendered to God’s will, and open to accomplish what God sets before us. We assume everything that happens is for us, but maybe we are led to a certain place, time, and circumstance for the sake of someone else. Success is based on faith and obedience, not by the specifics of what is accomplished. Are you open and available to God? Father, may I always be available to do what You have called me to do. May Your priorities and will by my desire... always. Amen