Surprised by God
About a month ago, after worship at our church and lunch at Lucy’s Mexican Café, Sheila and I headed to a local winery and relaxed at a patio table. A few moments later a woman, mid 20s, sat down at the next table with a plate of BBQ piled high on a bun. Even after eating, my mouth began to water at the aroma and sight. “Excuse me, ma’am, but you’re torturing me. That smells and looks so good!”
She replied with a smile, “Would you like a taste?”
I graciously declined, then we returned to our wine and she to her Q. Soon, another couple joined her, clearly friends. About 10 minutes later she said, “Excuse me, but can we ask how long you’ve been married, and what’s the key to making it last?”
I jokingly said 6 months, smiled, and said “No, 46 years.” Regarding making it last, we shared some of the struggles we worked through, and how God played a huge role in changing us. Turns out all three were believers, the couple were about to be married, and Brandi wanted to…soon, but had no current prospects.
We had a fantastic time of sharing faith, the couple had a church, Brandi was looking for one. Sadly, she lived 90 miles away in Carson. As the time to leave came, they asked to hug us. What a sweet premonition of heaven. The director at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conferences, Dave Talbott, calls these “divine appointments,” chance meetings that produce unexpected blessings.
Sad, how so few of these divine appointments occur, where God shows up in the conversation, but maybe we can increase our chances.
First, be alert and ready. Here, a chance comment about BBQ and torture led to a deep discussion😊. Paul said, “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith…” (Philemon 1:6). When someone asks how I’m doing, I often reply, “Better than I deserve.” Some move on, other times it leads to talking about grace. I wore our church’s T shirt for our Revelation series “Farewell Tour” for a pre-op visit with the surgeon about to replace my knee, and he asked what rock group was Revelation. Another fine discussion.
Second, be gracious and not judgmental. Gauge their interest and don’t push, as Paul commanded, “And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct.” (2 Timothy 2:24-25).
Take it as far as they desire, and if they have no receptiveness, then move on and don’t offend them.
Some of these happen with no intentional choice, by us or them. Just a God nudge. So just be ready, listen, and go where you can.
Kick Starting the Application
How often do you experience those God nudges or divine appointments? Do you think you may have missed them, by not thinking of them? How might you increase your chances of sharing faith?