My
husband and I will be celebrating our 11th wedding anniversary on
September 15. We’ve been on vacation for the past two weeks and have had an
enjoyable time together, and to be honest, neither of us realized our
anniversary was just around the corner. Until yesterday.
Yesterday,
we unexpectedly wound up at the oldest inn in the State of Ohio. The Golden
Lamb in Lebanon. This inn holds special significance and meaning to us. We
spent our wedding night in the Charles Dickens room of this inn and thoroughly
enjoyed the history of the town and location.
So
in the midst of a torrential thunderstorm, a power outage, rain soaked hair and
clothing, we enjoyed a fabulous dinner with my Dad.
I
love when God unexpectedly shows up in my life. Whether it’s by seeing a
passage of Scripture that fills my heart with sunshine or when I am convicted
of a sin. It might be a person through whom Jesus speaks or a glimpse of beauty
along the way.
Whatever
it might be, when God unexpectedly shows up, I know blessings are not far
behind.
But
I’m not alone. God has been doing this since the beginning.
Noah
(Genesis 6-9) had an unexpected visit from God although he was a righteous man
and walked with God. One day, God said to Noah, “Build an ark.” And in Noah’s
obedience, he and his family were blessed with life.
We
read of Abraham’s unexpected visit in Genesis 12. God told Abraham to leave all
that he knew and go to a place where God would tell him to go. God shared a
promise with Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3 (NIV). “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you. I will make
your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse, and all people on earth will be blessed
through you.” What a blessing Abraham received because of his obedience.
Daniel’s
unexpected visit came from an angel (Daniel 6:1-28). But maybe it wasn’t as
unexpected as we might think. Daniel had been loyal to God and God had blessed
Daniel. When Daniel was thrown into the lion’s pit to be killed, God sent an
angel to spend the night with Daniel. In the morning, Daniel was able to share
the account with King Darius and bring joy in the midst of sorrow. Daniel
received a blessing from God and was also a blessing to others.
Paul
shares his conversion story several times through Scripture. Acts 9:1-19 is the
first account. On a journey to persecute Christians, Jesus unexpectedly stopped
Saul along the road. For three days, Saul was blind and did not eat or drink a
thing. When he received another unexpected visitor, Ananias, his life would be
changed forever. Saul was baptized, filled with the Holy Spirit, and preached
boldly of Jesus from that day forward. Paul’s blessings from God were
tremendous and blessings poured forth from God to others through Paul.
On
a tiny island, a servant of God spent his last days alone, without human
companionship. It was here an unexpected visitor brought a vision to John. This
vision is recorded in the Book of Revelation. John was blessed and encouraged
by the vision.
He
learned from his vision that Jesus was victorious and that hope was available
for those going through persecution. Revelation 1:3 (NIV) says, “Blessed is the one who reads the words of
this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is
written in it, because the time is near.”
The
blessings didn’t end with John. We receive the blessing of encouragement as
well when we read this book.
I
love unexpected encounters with God. Knowing something could happen at any time
keeps me alert to the possibilities. I pray that you’re looking for these
encounters as well.
I
was blessed beyond words by having dinner with my Dad and Mason. In the midst
of all the turmoil and uncertainties of the night, we were able to enjoy the
best food The Golden Lamb had to offer. I’m so thankful for these two men and
that God chose them for me. I am truly blessed.
Grace
and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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