Divine Appointments, Part I

"Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’" Matthew 25:34-40

I want you to think for a moment about the people you've met along your life's journey.

There are those you might stumble upon in the grocery store or at a restaurant. You quickly hand them your money, make short conversation, and go on your merry way, never giving them a second thought.

There are others that you see on a regular basis - a clerk at a favorite bookstore, a waitress at the coffee shop you frequent, an acquaintance you see once in a while at church. You may be on a first-name basis with these folks and know a little more about their lives.

There are a select few with whom you share more intimate details. You may confide in them, love them, care for them. They may influence your life in some way.

Think carefully about all of these people. Considering that God makes no mistakes, dwell on the fact that God has brought each and every contact into your life for a reason. That there is no such thing as chance.

Mind-blowing, maybe.

Humbling, yes.

Convicting, absolutely.

Because there have been those whom you have dismissed. The ones you've brushed aside for more comfortable or fun (read: EASIER) relationships. The ones who were hard to love.

But, there have been those who have come your way and you have watched God do something amazing just by placing you in each other's path. God has blessed you through these people or He has used you to impact their lives in some way.

Take some time to reflect and see how God has designed each of us to fulfill a unique purpose in the lives of others. Over the next week, I will be sharing what God is teaching me through the people I've met and through His Word on this topic. I pray He will open your eyes and hearts as well.

In closing, please listen to this new song by Natalie Grant, which she performed with Jordin Sparks at the Dove Awards this year. It's called "Human". We've gotta do better than this 'cause we've only got one chance to make a difference!