God Breaks Through
I’m chuckling this morning at our amazing and sometimes whimsical God. I love the way the Holy Spirit breaks in on my humdrum workday with sneak attacks of His faithful love. Although I invite Him into my day regularly, when He shows up unexpectedly, as He did yesterday, I am struck with the wonder of His kindness, faithfulness and sometimes, just downright playfulness.
One our student accounts had fallen through the cracks and had received full services with never having paid up front, which is customary. The window of time available to collect this money was facing a critical point when I discovered the missed payment. We basically had only hours before we would have lost all legal leverage to collect.
Had I not been able to collect those funds, it would not have gone well for any of us in the office, if my boss were to become aware of this loss.
A family member responded to a message I had left that morning, and gave me the credit card information to satisfy the debt. Entering the credit card information into the credit card machine, it became apparent that I had failed to get an expiration date for the card, which was necessary to complete the transfer of funds.
Since I had no way to reach this family member again, as he did not live at the student’s address, I was momentarily perplexed.
Realizing the infinite number of random combinations of expiration dates, there was no way I could discover the expiration date on my own.
Impulsively I said, “Lord, You know all things. What’s the expiration date?” Admittedly it was more of an impulse than a prayer of real faith.
Immediately I heard this quiet little thought, “05/11.”
”Hmmmmmn!” I thought, ” I’ll just go for it and see what happens.”
To my utter amazement, the card cleared. The Holy Spirit nailed it! The day was saved.
His faithfulness goes so far beyond our spiritual needs. His faithfulness is about our every need. The minor details of our lives are important to Him so much more than we realize.
Glancing up as I write this post, the date, 5/11 caught my eye once again. Instantly I heard that same quiet voice, that spoke that number to me yesterday, suggest, “Look at Psalm 5:11.”
“But let them who take refuge in you, Lord, be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as a shield.” ~~ Psalm 5:11-12
It seems God is making a point here. I believe the God point is that He desires continual interaction with His people in all that we do. He delights in being welcomed into our every situation and is willing to show us His favor and bless us in ways we might never have imagined. He longs to delight us with His goodness.
This kind of interaction, where God breaks through in unexpected situations, is being what I call “practically prophetic.”
Blessings as you invite Him into your day today. May your today also be practically prophetic!
Patty
Add comment August 7, 2008 practicallyprophetic
Like a Wild Horse
”I liken you to a horse in the starting gate,” the Lord said to me a short time ago. “You get a little fractious at times,” He continued.
Fractious is a term used in horse racing, which I happen to love. It refers to a horse becoming nearly out of control, kicking, rearing and bucking in the gate, wanting so desperately to be released.
“Some people might consider that rebellious,” He continued. Then He added, ” but I consider it passion and I love passion.”
The tender love of the Lord broke me as I took that into my spirit. His beautiful eyes see the potential in each of us. He sees beyond our behavior into the deep desires of our hearts. He counts the desires of our hearts as finished knowing that He, by His Spirit, will complete the good work in us that He has initiated within us.
Yes, I am fractious. Being contained and restrained is difficult for me. I can’t wait to be released from the starting gate to run with Jesus full speed the race set before me. I believe that we are entering into the days prophesied, where His Church will be released into the greatest days we have ever seen, ushering in the great harvest.
In light of that, I am as that race horse being led from the paddocks toward the gate. I can hear the other horses, also restless to run. I can sense the electric atmosphere as anticipation and renewed hope is everywhere among those who believe likewise.
There are many things that have me by bit and bridle, that I am longing to shake off, like fear of man, reputation and the distractions of this world.
The following video is the cry of my heart in this context of running free with the winds of the Holy Spirit. It is my urgent prayer. Listen to the words carefully and see if you don’t agree.
Add comment July 27, 2008 practicallyprophetic
Tears of the Saints
It is with a heavy heart that I begin this morning after hearing of the great loss to Greg Laurie and his family. There simply are no adequate words in these times.
We stand with you, Laurie family! We pray that you will experienced the loving embrace of the God of all Comfort who will speak to your hearts the words that will strengthen you and give you hope.
May the peace that passes understanding overtake you during this difficult season. Patty
Add comment July 25, 2008 practicallyprophetic
