God’s Agenda

Sometimes when I have errands to run I can predict how long it will take me to finish.
Sometimes that anticipated time is extended for various reasons.
It may be because I leave later than I thought I would.
It may be because I run into people I know and we talk for a while.

Sometimes all of those errands become God’s agenda.
You can never anticipate when God’s agenda will happen.
You can never rush it.
You can never cut it short.

God has His way.
The only thing we can possibly do is be amazed.
God’s timing is in His control.
God is Sovereign and knows exactly what He is doing even if we do not have a clue.

What should have been a quick trip to the grocery store turned out to be much longer.
I had already done my weekly shopping the day before.
I had forgotten a few things and needed to go back.
Going back is something I rarely do; I just put the item on my list for next week.

However, God had different plans.
I stopped at the floral section of the grocery store since I needed a few things there as well.
A woman behind the counter started to talk to me as she was helping me.
I noticed she was limping a bit.

As she was talking, she told me that she had both hips replaced.
This week was her first week back to work.
Considering the major surgery she just had, she was doing amazingly well.
She was so pleasant and calm; she was delightful to talk to among all the flowers.

We shared our ages.
I knew she was around my age because of the things we both remembered.
We talked about being outside all the time, playing jump rope, and riding bikes.
Now all the young people do is this, she said as she mimicked texting with her thumbs.

We never had to worry about exercise; we got enough everyday just by being outside.
I agreed with her.
She is a mother and a grandmother.
She told me all the wonderful things she does with her grandchildren.

We color and do arts and crafts, she said, and I read to them.
That’s the best thing to do for any child, I answered.
Your grandchildren are blessed to have you, I added.
It was the word, blessed, that gave it away.

You know the Lord, she said.
I sure do, I remarked and added, what would we do without Him?
We stood among the flowers and talked about God, and His Word, and prayer.
She told me that her nephew just died and she showed me his picture.

We talked about the brevity of life.
We talked about Jesus coming back.
I smiled thinking about God’s agenda.
God knew all along that each of us would meet here on earth and spend eternity together.

I got in line behind a sweet young woman with a seven-week-old baby in a baby sling.
It was her first child; a son.
She stood there unloading her shopping cart with one hand and cradling her son with the other.
He is so beautiful, I said as I saw this tiny baby all curled up against his mother.

Thank you, each week things get a little easier, she said.
I saw myself all those years ago as I looked at her.
I realized that one day she will be standing in my shoes, admiring a newborn baby.
She has no idea how quickly the time goes by.

I had one more stop before I headed home.
I needed to make a return and stopped at the customer service desk.
The woman behind the counter is someone that has helped me before.
She motioned to me to come down to her register.

How are you doing? I asked her, which was a simple question that spoke volumes.
I haven’t done it yet, she answered, but I tried.
I went two days but then I just couldn’t do it, she added.
She is trying to quit smoking and tells me about her progress each time I see her.

I want to quit but I just can’t; I know I will someday, she said with her raspy voice.
I’ve done it before with other addictions; I can do it again, she said confidently.
I just woke up one day and said, NO MORE, and I was delivered, she said.
That’s what I need again, she said, deliverance.

I will keep praying for you, I told her.
I have told her that before.
She knows that I pray for her.
She knows that she has someone who cares about her progress.

That’s what I need: deliverance.
That’s what we all need.
This woman is not alone.
No one I talked to is alone.

I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? (Jeremiah 32:27)

Nothing is too hard for God.
God sovereignly places people in our lives at precise moments to be His ambassadors.
We represent Him to a hurting world.
We are His hands and feet to those who are weary.

We are the voice in prayer when they are too weak or confused to pray on their own.
Nothing happens by accident.
Timing is of the Lord.
His timing is perfect.

I ran my errands but so much more took place that afternoon.
I met a friend with whom I will share eternity.
I was allowed to encourage a young mother.
I had the privilege of praying for someone who needs deliverance.

A day like this is not unique to me.
These opportunities are all around us.
Pray for eyes to see them.
There is always enough time for God’s agenda.

And you thought you were only running to the store for a few things.