I'm a firm believer that God works everything in conformity to his will (Ephesians 1:11). The crazy thing is, believe it or not Gods will is surrounding you, empowering you and calling you to a cause and a life greater than you.
So.... what happens when you start praying for Gods will in your life? Read these three stories I got this week from people who attend Existence to find out!
Story #1 - I've been asking God to use me in leading my coworkers into a relationship with Jesus. About 3 weeks ago I found out a guy from my work just went through a really rough divorce, my heart started to break for him. I began asking God to use me to impact his life, I wasn't prepared for what God had in mind!
My coworker came up to me and asked me if I was interested in running after work sometime, then he invited me to a poker night with some of our other coworkers. It was crazy! I always thought I would have to be the one to get out of my box but after asking God to use me I realized he was causing others to be INCLUSIVE with me!
Truth is I still have a lot of work to do. I find myself wanting to dodge the situation so I don't have to get out of my comfort zone. Pray for me! God is going to use me in this guys life!
Story #2 - I am not a person with a naturally 'inclusive' (to use Existence lingo!) nature, but since this has been a continual focus at life group and church in recent weeks, I've been more aware of it. As a new mom, I should probably be eager to meet the other stroller-pushers in my neighborhood, but... I'm really not! The other day, however, I felt compelled to introduce myself to a mom I often see walking down my street. As it turns out, the nudge I felt to meet this woman was the Holy Spirit, as the young mom I met is also a Believer and is going through some very hard times. Our babies are close in age, and she and I have encountered similar trials in life, which makes me able to relate to her on a unique level. My new friend is clearly in need of someone who can come alongside her at this difficult time, to encourage her in her faith and meet her where she's at, and I feel as though God has led me to her with that purpose in mind. Through this encounter I've definitely realized that even small things - just saying hi! - can open huge doors. God can do a lot with a little, so pay attention to those nudges that you think are 'nothing' - in hindsight they may often be clear 'God appointments'!
Story #3 (mine!) - Being a Pastor can often lead you into a very exclusive life. By exclusive I mean 90% of your life is spent with people who believe in Jesus as Savior. As I always tell our church, if you don't have non-christian friends make new friends!
A few months ago I was at a wedding and met a guy who was not a believer in Jesus. We had a great time chatting about life, work and family. I walked away so convinced that God was after this guy and that eventually he would use me to reach him.
Fast forward to last Friday at 5:30 am. I'm golfing at Torrey Pines and who do I run into, that same guy. I hit me like a ton of bricks that life is not coincidence, it's divine! We had a quick talk, nothing happened, yet!
Final Thought: God is moving people toward us! Be looking, be praying and be ready! The hope of the world does not rest on you, but the hope of someone does!
Praying for you!
Josh
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