It has been a whirlwind week, and God was right where He
always is … in the center of my activities.
Last Thursday, I met with a Captain of Delaware State
Police. An officer, gentleman, and training director, he was a new friend I met
at the FBI National Academy in Ocean City, MD. Since he was curious about my background and
how I landed a job in training and development, I shared with him the story of
my successful career working for large corporations, and how I walked away from
it all in order to pursue my greater purpose. Peering at me with eyes as big as
saucers, he said, “Beth, this appointment was not by chance. I needed to hear
your story. My wife and I have been talking about the next phase of our
careers. You have been a big encouragement.” While I worked, God used me to
inspire an executive police officer to pursue his greater purpose.
On Saturday I was invited to speak at Le’Chic Academy’s Pumps
and Pearls Mother/Daughter Brunch and Fundraiser. I was seated at a table with
the Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts for the State of Maryland. I
mentioned that I was from Lancaster, PA. “Where?” she inquired. She had lived
in East Petersburg for 11 years. Seriously? I live in East Petersburg, one half
mile from where she lived. Our paths had never crossed.
Later they introduced her and read her credentials. She
graduated from Millersville University. “When?” I asked. “1984,” she replied.
Me too! “Did you live on campus?” I queried. “Yes. I lived in Lyle Hall,” was
the response. “No way! Me too!” I exclaimed with excitement. We discovered we both lived on the third floor
of the same dorm for one year, on different wings. She was a social work major. I
majored in social work my freshman year. Neither of us recognized each other.
I have no doubt God connected us 32 years later 80 miles outside of Millersville for a greater purpose than
either of us can imagine.
On Wednesday, I met with a Deputy Director of Maryland
Department of Public Safety, another new friend from the FBI National Academy
in Ocean City, MD. I suspected she might be a soul sister. The minute I stepped
into her office it was confirmed. Not only was she wearing two cross necklaces, but
the sign over her desk read, “When life
gives you more than you can stand, kneel.” No doubt God connected me with
this beautiful sister and public servant who lives and works to shine His light
in the darkness. Together, we may shine for Him in the state of Maryland while we work to improve their leadership development programs.
We were to meet with another Executive Director who didn’t
show up. When my sweet servant sister called to locate her, her voice mail answered
saying, “Live life on purpose. Have a
blessed day.” Another sister!
Fifteen years ago Henry Blackaby’s Bible Study, Experiencing God changed my life. He challenged me to find out where God is at
work and join Him there. I’ve been doing that ever since.
The message of Experiencing God is built upon what Blackaby
calls the “Seven Realities”:
- God is always at work around you.
- God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal.
- God invites you to become involved in His world.
- God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes and ways.
- God's invitation for you to work with Him always leads to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.
- You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing.
- You come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplished His work through you.
It is an absolute blessing to watch God work around me.
Because I love Him personally and intimately, He invites me to become involved
in His work. Intentionally spending time each day in His Word, the Bible, He speaks to me revealing His purposes and His ways. As
I step out in faith, trusting Him with all my heart, and am open to go wherever He sends me, I am overwhelmed to see
and experience Him everywhere.
You too can experience God when you open your heart to His Word, obey Him, and walk forward in faith with eyes wide open.
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