GOD PRODUCES

God is constantly at work in our lives. Sometimes I think we can see glimpses of these orchestrations, while other times we may not notice them. It always makes me smile and be in awe of God when I see some of them. I recently had a few little epiphanies that were related in what they made me think about.

God’s purposes and what they produce in other’s lives may not always be ours. I have seen how a simple gesture might have a different impact on someone’s life than what we envisioned.

I am friends with a church musical director who completed 25 years of ministry this year. He doesn’t like attention drawn to him, so there was no celebration. I felt this milestone needed something special and felt inspired to buy a crystal award that I was able to personalize for the occasion. It was very meaningful to him, and it made him think, with gratitude, of all the beautiful people he has made music with through the years as well as the pastors he has worked with. He recently experienced some rough patches at his day job, and I was happy to see how God used the memento to be “a soothing balm and provided me some healing and joy.” He appreciated being valued. Little did I know that following the inkling to celebrate him would produce that result in his life.

 

Photo courtesy of Chronic Joy® under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC 2.0)

 

I recently attended a weekend retreat as well as a day retreat at two different places. I bring my books with me and try to follow the nudge to share with those that are on my path. God always seems to put “the” person in my path at the perfect time. I thought this one particular lady had left early, so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw her waiting for her ride in the lobby. I shared a book with her, and we talked for a few minutes. I was surprised when she said, “I have wanted to write a book. You have inspired me to pursue this. Thank you for passing the torch.”

On the day retreat, during a break, I took a few minutes to talk to the speaker and share a book with her. I was surprised to hear her say she has a website too and keeps getting phone messages from publishers saying they want to publish her book. She has no book yet but is wondering if the Lord is speaking to her.  She said, “Thank you for sharing this. I have been wondering if the Lord is calling me to write one. You have inspired me.”

I see the beauty in how the Lord used the simple act of following through on His inspiration to share with others in all three interactions. The sharings produced different results than I expected, showing me how the Lord’s purposes prevail. It provided healing in one case and inspiration for two of them to pursue writing for His glory.

 

Photo courtesy of BK under Creative Commons License (CC BY-SA 2.0)

 

Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. The Lord has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster.  –Proverbs 16:3-4  (NLT)

Isn’t it comforting to know that if we commit ourselves and all we do to the Lord, we will succeed? We can stand by the truth of God’s promises. All that God has made has a purpose.

 

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.  –Proverbs 19:21  (NIV)

As we go about life day by day, we make plans that are hopefully in accordance with God’s purpose for our lives. Ultimately, God’s purpose prevails in our lives as we live trusting in His ways.

 

Be encouraged this week to…

…follow through on the nudges God provides.

…reflect on the end result of encounters with others.

…see what purpose God provides in your life.

…see the impact of your actions on others.

 

REFLECTION:

What impact did a simple action on the part of someone else have on your life?
What nudge have you followed where you saw God produce a different result?

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  –Romans 8:28  (NIV)