6 Sep, 2011
Caught Off-Guard
Last night was an incredible evening. Seriously, the weather couldn't have been more perfect at our house so, just as the sun was setting, my family and I decided to hop in the car and get out of the house. We drove around aimlessly with the windows and sunroof open, simply enjoying the breeze and taking in the extraordinary sunset. Just as I was about to head home to get the kiddos ready for bed, my cell phone rang. It was one of my Campus Life students. I answered it and immediately sensed the fear in the students' voice. Without so-much as a "Hello," I heard, "J? It's about 'Amy.'* She just texted me saying she's going to kill herself. I didn't know who else to call . . ." and her voice trailed off.
With just one phone call, my picture-perfect evening had been shattered, and I was caught completely off-guard. After a few more phone calls just trying to track Amy down, she agreed to letting me come get her so we could talk. I dropped my husband and kids off at home and headed out for . . . I had no idea what. Although it was a short drive to her house, I took the long way, using every minute in prayer. I begged God to give me the words, the wisdom, the compassion and grace, the strength, the Truth the whatever-I-was-going-to-need-at-that-moment to be some sort of help. Yet, it had been a busy week and, to be honest, I hadn't speant much time with God in the midst of it all. It wasn't long before I heard that little voice of my accuser creeping in: "J, do you really think you should be the one to talk to her? What if you just make things worse? Have you even spent time with Jesus this week? And you think He's going to help you now?!"
Though I couldn't argue with any of satan's accusations, I knew that God was bigger than all of it and I knew how much He loved Amy. All I could do was pull the car over, plead for God to use me despite myself, and trust that He would . . . and He did. To God be the glory.
*Not her real name
Picture courtesy of Google Images
2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about being prepared?
As with everything, God cearly works in His own timing. Only He can see the full picture and only He knows when things are going to take place. Today's scripture reminds us to always be ready for whatever He brings our way. No matter what the circumstance or when it happens, we must know God and His Word well enough to tackle it with grace and Truth. The only way we can truly be prepared and not be caught completely off-guard, is by abiding (daily) in Christ. The more we know scripture and the more time we spend at Jesus' feet, the better prepared we will be when He chooses to use us in someone else's life.
How can I connect today's story and God's Story scripture to my life?
How well do you know God's Word? If you don't already, make a plan to work at committing scripture to memory so that you will be able to recall and share it in a moment's notice. Pray and ask God to show you the ways you need to prepare yourself to be used by Him (ex. more time spent in the Bible, consistent and deepening prayer times, scripture memorization, etc.). As God puts things on your heart and mind, put those things into practice and don't procrastinate! You never know what or who you will face tomorrow!
How can I connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and my story to others?
- Ask God to put people in your path with whom He would use you to share His Word.
- Consistently pray for the strength, wisdom, and discernment you will need to "correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction" (emphasis mine). Remember, it's more than just talking or listening, it's about speaking Truth, with grace.
- Trust God's timing and remember that, no matter what, He is always in control. Refuse to believe or listen to the accusations of the devil and allow God to use you as He desires, for it's in our weaknesses that His power shines (2 Cor. 12:9) - let God have all the glory.
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