Thursday of Week Two
Real
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
—Ecclesiastes 3:1
During my last work trip in the Netherlands, I came down very sick with what I now think may have been the flu. There I was, alone with only my thoughts, in a foreign country, huddled up in a hotel room for three days.
I can’t think of another time in my life where I have been so isolated-away from my home, familiar comforts, and family who would usually be there to check in on me and take care of me. I also can’t think of another time when the Spirit of God was so keenly felt. I had complete peace, to the point of speaking thanks and praise to Him as I lied there in the darkness. I was also compelled to pray intensely for so many others that came to mind. I had a strong sense of this all happening for a reason—especially the meetings and engagements I had to cancel. Normally, I would be freaking out if I might let my customers or colleagues down in this way! This was different.
I was thankful for the Dutch Gideons Bible in the room (with English translation!). It is not likely to find Bibles in European hotel rooms. I was drawn to it during those days, reading and re-reading Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians. My desire to read something else or find other entertainment had vanished. The intensity to read was as real as the fever cycles, aches and pains, hot and cold my body was experiencing.
I almost want to say I came back changed from that experience. I can’t exactly say how, except that I feel certain I know the Lord better, and because of that I seem to be experiencing a higher degree of “the peace that surpasses all understanding” as a result. I continue to be in awe of the infinite and personal God.
Author: Jennifer Lawrence
Personal Reflection:
Think of a time when something didn’t happen on your timeline, but later you saw God’s plan unfold perfectly. Were you open to the interruption? Did you seek God during this unplanned journey?
Daily Action:
Encourage someone who recently got knocked off their plans. Send them a message of comfort that it will work out.
