4 minute read
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:2 NIV)
Prepare to preach always.
A divine appointment is when God brings someone into your life. My husband and I’s meeting was one such event. Both of us are tennis players; we committed to playing on a mixed doubles tennis team. Our first match was Oct. 21, 2010. My mind’s eye still sees him practicing his serve as I walked onto the court. He wore a white pocket tee and black shorts, his outfit of choice for every match we played. I knew the moment I laid eyes on him; he was someone special. In no way, shape, or form did I know how special at that moment in time. Praise God for divine appointments.
Every appointment is a divine appointment.
As my faith has grown more in-depth, I realize, every appointment is a divine appointment. Each person God brings into your life is extraordinary. Maybe your interaction with them is only once, perhaps you marry them, but they are all divine appointments. People have impacted my life, who I’ve only spoken to one random time.
A few years ago, my husband and I were at an outdoor festival. We ordered our lunch at a food truck. Trying to be friendly, I was chatting with the cook. He communicated defeat with his body language; I wanted to encourage him. I’ll never forget when, without looking at me, he said, “Maam, I’m just trying to do my job.” My surprise was instant, I had no idea I was bothering him, yet I was. Immediately I apologized and walked away.
His sadness has never left me. A few minutes after our interaction, I looked over at the food truck. His boss had returned and was screaming at him, threatening to fire him. I don’t know what the young man had done; I just pray it wasn’t because of me.
That interaction was a divine appointment for me. Even though I don’t know the cook’s name, God does. My prayers for that young man are often, every time God brings him to mind. He is a child of God, created by the Creator. My job is to love him; I do that best through prayer.
What we are to preach is love. Every divine appointment God gives us is an opportunity to share His truth, grace, and mercy. When we do those things, we are preaching. Some of the best sermons ever given didn’t require one word. Instead, actions spoke louder than even the fiercest of pastors.
“I’ved learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
Every appointment is a divine appointment. Preaching doesn’t require words.
Question of the Day:
Who are your divine appointments with today?
Further Reading:Jeremiah 48:1-49:22 NIV, 2 Timothy 4 NIV, Psalm 95-96 NIV, Proverbs 26:9-12 NIV
