How should we respond when God orchestrates unexpected meetings in our lives? Setting the Scene “While he was still speaking with them, Rachel arrived with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess.” – Genesis 29:9 Jacob was far from home, weary, uncertain about the future—and suddenly Rachel walked onto the scene. What looked like coincidence was God’s precise timing, moving His promise forward. The same sovereign hand still arranges meetings in our lives today. Recognizing God’s Hand in the Unexpected • God moves behind ordinary details (Isaiah 46:10). • He aligns our steps without violating our decisions (Proverbs 16:9). • Surprise encounters often advance His covenant purposes, as with Jacob and Rachel (Genesis 28:13-15). Practical Responses When the Sudden Moment Arrives 1. Pause and notice. – Cultivate alertness like Samuel: “Speak, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10). 2. Honor the person in front of you. – Jacob rolled the stone and served Rachel first (Genesis 29:10). 3. Act in faith, not fear. – Philip ran to the Ethiopian’s chariot and opened his mouth (Acts 8:29-35). 4. Speak truth graciously. – Jesus revealed living water to the Samaritan woman (John 4:7-26). 5. Offer practical help. – Dorcas used needle and thread; her meeting needs kept the gospel credible (Acts 9:36-39). 6. Leave the outcome with God. – Paul sowed, Apollos watered, “but God gave the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Lessons from Other Divine Encounters • Ruth “happened” to glean in Boaz’s field—God steered her steps (Ruth 2:3-12). • Esther’s royal appointment spared a nation (Esther 4:14). • Cornelius and Peter met through synchronized visions (Acts 10:1-33). These accounts confirm that divine appointments are normal for God’s people. Benefits of Embracing God-Arranged Meetings • Increased faith as we watch His providence unfold (Psalm 37:23-24). • Broader kingdom impact—others meet Christ through our obedience (2 Corinthians 5:20). • Personal growth; character is refined at the intersection of God’s plan and our availability (James 1:2-4). Living Ready for the Next Appointment • Begin each day surrendered: “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8). • Keep margin in schedules so interruptions aren’t irritations. • Maintain a heart of gratitude; Jacob kissed Rachel and wept aloud (Genesis 29:11). • Review the day, trace providence, and praise God for every “Rachel moment” He penned into your story. |
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