Before my father passed away in 1999, I had come to count on him for words of wisdom and encouragement when I was discouraged. He was the one person that always knew the right thing to say to make me feel better.
During the last few years of his life, however, he was not the same person. His health had deteriorated. He was no longer the same fountain of wisdom and encouragement he once had been. I missed it.
As my dad’s health faded, the last week of his life arrived.
God showed up and filled the gap. He became the Father I needed in every way. While I was talking with my dad over the phone, God told me my dad was dying. This was before anyone else realized it. God put provisions in place to provide for even the tiniest of my needs. He told me how to best be a help to my mom. God was my guide step-by-step that whole week. He cared for me better than any person could have.
A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.
Psalms 68:5
Through the years, God has remained a source of wisdom and encouragement for me. He still provides for me better than any person can. Yes, I am blessed with a wonderful husband and 2 boys. However, they don’t know my needs before I know them, but God does. Often He will provide for me in ways they cannot.
An example of what I mean is this. I was on the way to a meeting, and I got confused about how to get where I needed to be. I was afraid I would be late. My cell phone rang. The person on the other end of the phone was a friend that just happened to know the area better than anyone else I knew or would have thought to call.
When you clearly see God move mountains for you, you’ve had an experience that you won’t soon forget. A ‘God encounter” is life changing. A “God encounter” gives you something to share. It’s a way to comfort others, and it’s a way to reach others for the Lord.
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Most of us have had a struggle along the way. If you have ever seen the hand of God reach in and intervene like only He can, your struggle and His intervention is a testimony to the goodness of God.
I encourage you to share it with others.
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psalms 118:28-29
Today’s challenge is to take a look at your experiences. Consider how God can use you to make a difference for someone today. Ask God to place someone in your path that needs to hear what God has done for you.