Monday, January 22, 2007

The Hand in control

Halfway around the world, a couple was about to embark on a trip that would change their lives. They would soon meet their future second child. But before they left, they searched the internet. They found a website of a sister church. And they sent a message to the email address they found.

Unbeknownst to them, the pastor of that church has been praying for their country for the last 12 months. Just interceding.

The couple, with their first child, arrived at their hostel and received the message left for them at the desk. In the morning, a family from the sister church fetched and brought them to the sanctuary.

For two hours, the foreigners became part of this big spiritual family. They sang. They worshipped. They prayed. Together. Despite the language barrier. Despite the differences in background, race, and features. These things don’t matter. They serve the same God. They are raising praises to the same Father.

And later, the fellowship continued on over lunch.

I do not know what the pastor was praying for specifically. I do not know what was the couple’s plan when they sent that email. I do know though that in God’s eyes, they are one family. And families take care of their own.

I do not know the next chapter of the story. I won’t speculate. I know that the God who orchestrated this unlikely connection is in control. His hand is on this earth. I am gratefully amazed.

1 comment:

Gypsy said...

Hi Jen, It is a great thing to be able to go to seemingly strange places and find a home amongst believers. :)

Lion Chaser Manifesto

Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshiping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze new trails. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away.

Chase the lion.

In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson (www.evotional.com)