Sleep didn’t come easy to me last night. I felt like I was half-awake through much of it.
Ever have one of those??
So when my alarm sounded at 6:00 a.m., my body didn’t want to move. Nor did my eyes want to open.
I fell back asleep until 6:27.
Oh no!
Racing through my routine, I didn’t make time for God, or to read my daily devotion. I said a few measly prayers on the go.
Nice way to start the day, huh??
My hurrying paid off, because I was ready to leave the house at my normal time.
Or so I thought, until I slid into the driver’s seat of our SUV, ready to back out of our garage and get on the road. I had a big day at work ahead of me.
I turned the key in the ignition, and… nothing. Nothing! Oh wait. I take that back. The radio and lights came on, but nothing else.
Seriously, God?? Why does this have to happen today??
After a few times of trying, I tromped back into the house and plopped myself at the dining room table, while my husband went out and tried to work his mechanic magic. By this time I was nearly in full pouting mode.
There on the table sat my devotional, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. I didn’t have anything else to do, unless you count pouting, so I grabbed it and opened it to today’s passage.
I almost laughed out loud when I read the first sentence.
Approach this day with awareness of who is Boss.
God, are you trying to be funny here?
I kept reading.
“As you make plans for the day, remember that it is I who orchestrate the events of your life. On days when things go smoothly, according to your plans, you may be unaware of My sovereign Presence. On days when your plans are thwarted, be on the lookout for Me!”
Okay, God. I’m looking.
“I may be doing something important in your life, something quite different from what you expected. It is essential at such times to stay in communication with Me, accepting My way as better than yours.”
Yes, God. Your way is always better.
“Don’t try to figure out what is happening. Simply trust Me and thank Me in advance for the good that will come out of it all…”
I’m trusting You. I don’t get it, but I trust You. (Would you please fix our car?)
Coincidence?? I don’t think so.
I quit the pouting, put my coat back on, and off we went, towing our SUV to our mechanic.
You’ll never believe this. This afternoon when our mechanic put the key in the ignition and turned it, (you guessed it!) our SUV started right off like normal! Really. He couldn’t find a thing wrong with it!
Could God have orchestrated all of this just so I would sit down and spend a few moments with Him this morning?? I don’t know, but I guess it’s possible. Did He know I needed His words of encouragement before leaving for the day? Of course He knew. Did He teach me through this? You bet He did.
Friend, is God trying to get your attention? Could it be He wants you to spend a few moments with Him today? Is there something He’s calling you to trust Him in?
He knows what He’s doing. He’s the Boss. This is a lesson I won’t soon forget.
I’m praying for you today.
Julie
It’s a joy to link this post with friends Kelly and Holly. I invite you to check out the encouragement and hope at both of their blog homes!
That’s so like God, isn’t it? Caring about us down to the smallest detail. I love and appreciate how He intervenes to redirect us back to Him when we need it! I love that devotional, Jesus Calling, as well. A friend gave it to me for Christmas. It truly speaks straight to the heart! Blessings, friend!
Hi Kristine! Yes, that is so like God. I pray I never forget this lesson! Jesus Calling is my favorite devotional. God uses it to speak to me so often. Praying He does the same for you. So glad you stopped by today. You’re a blessing!
Wow, Julie! What a story! That lesson hits home. I pray God will use these words to encourage many people to spend time with Him. I love that thought: on days when your plans are thwarted, look for ME! I’ll have to remember that. to ask, “God, what are you teaching me here…”
Yes, Betsy. I want to remember to ask that too. I am so thankful He never leaves us where we are, but keeps teaching us, training us, and growing us up. I still have much to learn! Thanks for being here, friend!
I love how God moves in every detail of our life. Glad you got the chance to sit in his presence! Sometimes we need gentle reminders too. 😉
I seems to need those reminders often, Deanna. Thank you for stopping by and for sharing. May God bless you today!
Hah! Who says God doesn’t have a sense of humor? 😉
Thanks for sharing the story!
That’s right, Joe! Thanks for stopping by!
Oh, that’s funny! DOn’t you just love when He bops you on the head to get your attention? Thanks Julie!
Yes, Ellen! That’s exactly what it felt like. A big bop on the head. May I never forget it! Thanks for stopping by, friend!
I loved this! I can relate and certainly know the mornings I do not take the time to sit with God He reminds me in many ways that I need Him. I need Him in my morning, noon and night. God does have a sense of humor and I didn’t know the whole story when I saw this picture on Instagram but it all makes sense now. I’m not sure if you ever come over to The Weekend Brew at Barbie’s but I’ll be writing this weekend on my morning quiet time. Blessings!
Mary, thank you. I can’t wait to read about your morning quiet time. I do stop over to Barbie’s often, but I haven’t much lately. I’ll be sure to stop in this weekend. I need God in my morning, noon and night too. Bless you!
God got my attention that day too! Hmmm….
Really? I’d love to read more.
YAY! What a great story. Don’t you just love how God operates? He is so faithful to teach us and love us all at the same time. Cheering you Julie – that you trusted and grew through this. Thanks for joining the Purposeful Faith Linkup too! It would not be the same without you.
Thank, Kelly. God is so good, isn’t He!? Thanks for hosting the link and being so faithful to encourage. You matter to me, friend! Bless you!
Julie, God is always watch over us and watching out for us. He is good all the time. I love him with all my heart and soul.