I leave tomorrow for the speaking and writing conference in North Carolina that I have blogged about before (May 31). My one page, book proposal and sample chapter of my book are written. I have practiced my 5 minute talk on 1 Corinthians 10:13 and temptation. I have worked with my physical therapist on how to use a cane instead of crutches as I move through 2 airports and the rental care place by myself. And I have planned my outfits (very important – good impression and all that).
None of this, of course, really matters if I make this about me and not about God. I need to invite him into every aspect of this conference – the people I meet, workshops I attend, publishers who read my proposal, the talk I give. God has paved the way. He brought the conference to my attention, made a spot for me in an event that sells out very quickly, sidelined me with knee surgery which gave me the time to write. He even supplied an amazing prayer partner for me. She is another attendee from Missouri who has encouraged me, prayed with me, and held me accountable for the last several weeks.
I do not believe in coincidence. I believe in a God who is active and at work all around me. A God who has numbered the hairs on my head and etched me in the palm of his hand. We have to choose to seek him and ask him to reveal himself to us. Psalm 25:4-5 says, “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”
In what areas of your life are you looking for answers? A new job, a difficult or absent relationship, your living arrangement, a medical diagnosis, deciding on a college choice? As you go through your day look for God at work in your life. Ask him to reveal himself to you. Seek earnestly his plans and his will for your life. James 1: 5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
He cares and created you for relationship with him. Try setting coincidence aside and seeing it instead as God gently directing your path. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Colossians 3:17 goes on to say, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through him.”
Precious Father – Thank you for loving us and for sending your Son to die for us. Grant us wisdom, Lord, and direct our paths. Please reveal yourself to us and help us to see how you are at work in our lives and in the lives of the people around us. May we keep our eyes on you and not be distracted by the things of this world. Amen.