The Gift of The Unexpected

Had I realized the way this journey would progress, I may have asked for a refund before taking my first step.

But, the thought of God using my passion to further His Kingdom thrilled my soul.

The promise of purpose for my life gave me hope.

My journey began with many unanswered questions, yet with absolute confidence that the season which lay ahead would be an adventure in honoring God by serving others.

That first step found traction fourteen years ago and man what a trek.

Dips so low I despaired to the point of giving up.

Hills that appeared too high to climb.

Curves so sudden and sharp I feared I would not survive.

And the signs.

Warning. Yield. Slow. Detour. Intersection.

Stop.

By far the most common sign I encountered was stop.

I doubted I would arrive at the destination God intended before my last breath this side of heaven.

Can you relate?

Would you like to know something sweet about today?

Every dip, hill, curve, and delay is now part of my past, which means God brought me through!

And of all the ways God confirmed His will for this part of my journey, one remembrance continually pressed me forward. This one event served to remind me that I did hear His call and that I must take the next step.

For several years, I visited and provided care for a dear loved one who lived in a long-term care facility. I believed God prepared me to serve her long before she fell ill, and it was my joy to do so.

Two years into my journey with her, I recorded these words (names were removed for the sake of privacy):

I pulled the card from my bag, hesitated before opening the envelope and prayed, “Please don’t let it contain money.”

It contained a check with a note thanking me for all I do.

An inner conflict began. Joy for the timing of the funds received; hesitation because I didn’t want to be paid for the care I gave.

As I thought about this gift, a new perspective came to mind. She has been one of my main cheerleaders in the realm of writing. Her childlike joy over my baby steps inspired me to take more steps. Sometimes I feel I’m taking steps so I can report to her; make her day brighter.

I decided to use it as an investment in my writing. Maybe this is God’s way of providing for the website and a few other items, which I have not purchased because of our financial stress. I can’t think of a sweeter memory than my loved one being credited for my next steps. Steps that may be the trajectory to ministering to others.

This unexpected gift. God’s provision for pursuing my passion; His calling.

That gift was entirely unexpected so far as I was concerned. But it was in the works from the foundation of the world from God’s perspective, and it remains a glowing ember on the timeline of my writing life.

Exactly two years ago, I purchased TruthintheMidst.com and I shared the following testimony in my Compel Training writer’s community:

 As most of you know, I’ve been w-a-i-t-i-n-g for a while…a long while.

 I sensed God’s directive to move forward. The next step was to purchase a domain name. The problem was the hosting service doesn’t accept pocket lint for payment of services rendered (heads up on that piece of free advice).

Then, I received a card thanking me for providing care for a family member. When I opened the card, a check fell out. A real check. One with my name on it and everything! Guess what else? The bank cashed it! As if that weren’t good enough, it more than covered the costs associated with purchasing my domain name.

The real blessing for me is the fact that every time I work on this site, I will be reminded of the person who is my loudest cheerleader for writing.

God’s provision came through an obedient child of God, and I determined to do the same for others.

When I sensed the Enemy’s taunts, I remembered God’s provision.

What felt like a dream eternally just out of my reach is now a reality.

This journey is but one example of how God taught me to filter my circumstances through His Word so that I would not lose hope. These words, this website, this ministry are ultimately offerings of worship to my Father and published as seeds of hope that you may be encouraged.

I have experienced discouragement. My spirit benefitted from friends who cheered me on even though I felt someone kept moving the goal line.

I also know the joy of the journey and the pleasure of reaching the intended destination.

In honor of my loved one who obeyed God by gifting provision and cheering me forward, I share these words with you. I believe I will never cease to think of the moment I opened that envelope and realized God confirmed His call by providing in a way I did not expect.

Friend, I am here to tell you that God’s provision is not something that only happened to me. It’s not something that happens only to a select few of His children.

Provision from God is a promise to all those who are His.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. – Psalm 23:1 (NASB)

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:19 (NASB)

This leg of my journey has found its end and the next begins.

My desire is to honor God by fostering your faith with God’s Word as the supreme source of truth, guidance, and awe.

Sharing our lives with one another is God’s way for His people.

Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17 (NASB)

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near – Hebrews 10:23-25 (NASB)

May God be glorified as our paths intersect and may your soul find joy in knowing you are never alone, never without hope, and always part of His plan.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. – Matthew 28:19-20 (NASB)

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13 (NASB)

Consider the words from a dear friend, “Wouldn’t it be a shame? Wouldn’t it be a pure shame to get to the end of your life and realize that you could have helped so many if you would have just been obedient?”.

Friend, your life has a purpose designed by The Creator of the universe.

Trust Him and take your next step; let’s do this life together for His glory.

Can you recall a moment when you knew beyond a shadow of any doubt that God provided for your journey?

Are you pursuing a goal from God? Do you have a cheerleader?

Let me know with a comment below.