Opening the door to greet me, the hostess smiled, but had a puzzled look on her face.
Peering into the house, I didn’t see any guests. “Were you told to be here at 2:00?” she queried. “The event starts at 3:00,” she explained.
I was mortified. How could I, a detailed and punctual person, have gotten the time wrong? Brushing aside my embarrassment, I stepped inside. We chatted as we waited for the other guests to arrive—as well as the guest of honor, J.W., a missionary friend visiting from another continent.
The doorbell rang, and the hostess left to answer the door. I heard her greet J.W. and tell her I was already there. To my surprise, J.W. responded, “God sent her!” God had indeed sent me—very early—just to help in a way no one else could.
As J.W. approached the hostess’ door, she talked with a co-worker on the field who needed legal advice. The co-worker thought J.W. might check with an attorney while in the States. J.W. told her co-worker an attorney specializing in that very area would be at the event, but there would be many guests and she didn’t know if she’d have the opportunity to speak with the attorney privately.
God had arranged for me, that attorney, to arrive early. J.W. and I had plenty of time to discuss the issue while undisturbed.
Although the Bible tells us “all things” work together for good, we often act as if we don’t believe it. Me included. My first thought on learning I was an hour early for a social event was not that God had a purpose for having me show up then and be embarrassed. But my mistake on the event’s time was exactly what He had in mind. Although I had arrived early for the party, I was right on time for the divine appointment God had for me to help this missionary.
Rather than getting embarrassed, frustrated, or angry when seemingly negative things happen, we should readjust our perspective. Let’s remain calm and look for a God-purpose in the way events unfold.
Remember, God is in control, so all things can work together for good.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Alice H. Murray is a Florida adoption attorney by profession and a writer by passion. Alice writes a weekly blog, has had three pieces published in the compilation work Short And Sweet Series, and is a staff writer for www.adoption.com.