"God's Script"

“God’s Script”

(Thanks to Karen for the title)

Recently while working a day shift at Lakeland Hospital one of my colleagues asked me to make a few visits in one of the units he covers as he had some administrative tasks to complete. On the referral list I saw a name that was the same as a missionary we’d supported in one of our New York churches. When I shared this with the patient he replied, “That’s me!” We enjoyed talking about how God had worked in and through us in the 30+ years since we’d last had contact. A coincidence? I prefer to see it as a God appointment or (in Karen’s words) “God’s script”.

Think of the “chance meetings” you may have had that couldn’t be humanly arranged. In addition to the above, it was a similar scenario when I unexpectedly met a former hospice coworker which led to my position at the hospital and a back injury which required chiropractic care in which the practitioner I went to at the suggestion of a neighbor grew up across the street from me on Long Island! These divinely-orchestrated encounters illustrate the truth of the words of King David, “The steps of a (person) are established by the Lord….” (Psalm 37:23, NASB).

Scripture tells of a number of incidents which some may see as coincidental but later circumstances show God’s hand of direction. When Ruth, a Moabite woman who returned to Israel with her mother-in-law Naomi, was gleaning in the fields (a provision God had made to meet needs of the poor) we’re told, “As it turned out, she found herself working in a field belonging to Boaz….” (Ruth 2:3). Through a “surprising” series of events Ruth married Boaz and became the great-grandmother of David (see Ruth 4:21-22). Or that Joseph “just happened” to be sold into slavery by his jealous brothers so he could later say, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20). And there’s Jesus’ noticing a little guy named Zacchaeus in a tree, inviting Himself to his house and seeing a hated man’s life changed (Luke 19:1-10). In each case God said, “…I know the plans I have for you….” (Jeremiah 29:11). And He says the same to us, even when conditions around us seem at their worst.

It’s not wrong to make plans (in fact, Jesus said it’s wise to do so—Luke 14:28-32) but we must say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:15). Solomon wrote, “In (their hearts people plan their) course, but the Lord determines (their) steps.” (Proverbs 16:9). In other words, He reserves the right to change our plans. So let’s let Him script our ways—remember, “…his way is perfect….” (Psalm 18:30).

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan