Psalm 139:1-4
O LORD, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely, O LORD.
Life is a constantly changing scene with countless variables. Over the years I have been become more aware that God works in many unexpected ways.
A local funeral director called on me to conduct a service for someone I did not k now. I thanked the Lord for this cherished ministry as it would once again allow me to minister to a family I had never met and bring the message of hope to the grieving.
I recall once hearing Bill Gothard share at an Institute in Basic Life Principles that one way you can discern your spiritual gift is if you can perform the task without growing weary. I was thinking about that as I drove to meet the deceased’s family. I felt the strength of the Lord flow through me.
The other aspect that I had been thing about was the confirmation of the Holy Spirit. What do I mean by that? It is the unexpected circumstances which almost explode with irony.
It was a delight to the grieving family to learn that my family had originated in the Texas/Oklahoma panhandle region.
Before long, the five of us were laughing and recalling many things about that area. It also made the funeral service much more personal. I felt as if I could picture this man I had never met, but for whom I would be conducting a funeral service.
As we discussed the illness which had caused his death, I shared about the passing of our own dear daughter in 1991.
I shared how Brenda had been healed many times, but that healing is always temporary; and then I made statement that shocked even me. I said that healing is not the real miracle—faith is the real miracle. It was as if I had slapped the man’s daughter in the face.
She exclaimed, “That is the most fantastic thing!” Her enthusiastic reaction surprised me. She went on to explain that she had heard the same phrase used in the past few days and was moved by it. Now I had spoken the same words without planning what I was going to say.
I sincerely believe that there are no coincidences where the believer in Jesus Christ is concerned. The Lord knows our life intimately. He knows how we can be used to touch others. How do we do that? It is not us, but it is the Holy Spirit working through us to say the right thing at the right time.
I have experienced many of these divinely directed encounters. As I think back, they have all occurred when I was actively involved in deep study of God’s Word. I love to study the Word, but I also like investigate the circumstances surrounding the passage I am studying. Having done that, I try to apply it to my own life or to the lives of others.
The other thing that strikes me is that we must avoid contrivance. It is not necessary or advisable to plot and plan and try to make it appear inspired. We have been overexposed to phony spirituality. People need to see the authentic and dynamic Word lived out in the lives of His people.
Here is my suggestion for us all: Covenant with God (covenants are to the death) to spend quality time in study, meditation, and prayer. Be natural, talk freely, and give yourself without reservation to the one you are talking with. You may not receive the feedback as I mentioned, but you will bless others!
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
