Created to BeSample

Divine Intersections

By Tim Sheppard

Recently, my family and I drove up the California coastline to enjoy the scenery, and we decided to pull off the road at a vista point. This one spot among hundreds was only a small, widened dirt shoulder where just a few cars could fit. As we relished the ocean view, a couple walked up to us and asked, “Do you go to Gateway?” Of all the places in the world and of all the moments in the day, we’d parked right beside a family who attends the same campus as us! 

Coincidence? Not a chance! We had committed the day to God, and in response, He graciously established our plans. Though we thought we pulled off the road to view the ocean, He orchestrated a divine intersection! 

Not every divine intersection seems so obvious. God often disguises the extraordinary in the ordinary. If we’re not watchful, we’ll become numb to the glorious subplots He writes into everyday life. It’s always good to ask, “Am I really going to the grocery store to get the milk?” In other words, be aware the Holy Spirit could be wrapping a deeper purpose around a simple, sometimes mundane task.

God extends the invitation of a lifetime to each one of us to become a follower of Jesus. Regardless of our vocation, we can join with Him to fulfill His work (Matthew 6:10). As we observe what God is doing around us, His grace—the supernatural power the Holy Spirit gives us to live as overcomers—is available to exchange our everyday routines for kingdom-purpose living.

Jesus only did what He saw the Father doing (John 5:19). As He “went around doing good” (Acts 10:38, NLT), conversations turned to callings, dinners to deliverances, and marriage celebrations to miracles. Jesus made the most of every moment, moving from one divine intersection to the next in complete surrender to God.

This is normal Christianity. God’s Spirit empowers us to do the works that Jesus did (and even greater works) as we walk in yielded communion. The commonplace becomes an adventure when we cooperate with God and become His followers.

As you go about each day, prayerfully plan your schedule and commit whatever you do to God. Talk with Him about everything. Constantly ask God to let you see with His eyes, hear with His ears, and respond with His grace and truth. Divine intersections will become the “new normal” as you sync up with His moment-by-moment plan for your life.

Prayer

Lord, I want to join with You to do Your will. I need Your grace to live as a true follower. I surrender everything. Open my eyes to see the divine intersections You orchestrate and empower me to respond with grace and truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Memory Verse

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)