The men of Dawson City Gospel Chapel had just finished a
prayer breakfast and were about to start work on the new church building. They
were all anxious to get at it because the date of the dedication had been set
and they were behind schedule. The pastor had prayed that morning for a couple
more carpenters to help with the work.
They were about to begin when there was a knock on the door.
The pastor answered and listened patiently to the man's story. He and his son
had been trying to leave town, heading for Alaska on their vacation. But every
time they tried to drive up the long hill out of town their vehicle broke down.
"I was told there's someone here who is a good mechanic," he said.
"Could I get him to have a look?" The pastor invited him in and
explained his situation to the other men. Then he turned to the man and asked
his name. "Bud
Carpenter," the man responded. "And this is my
son, Josh Carpenter."
He was a little puzzled when the men started to laugh, until
the pastor told him what he had just prayed a few moments before answering the
knock on the door. Bud then laughed with them and explained that he was taking
his son to Alaska as a graduation gift and they really had no firm time
schedule. "I'm pretty good with a hammer. We'd be happy to help for a few
days." They stayed for a week. The mechanic looked at their vehicle and
found nothing wrong with it. The work was finished on time and the pair
continued on their way after the dedication celebration. They had no trouble
climbing that hill.
I was thinking about that story the other day and thinking
about how we are all like those Carpenters in a way. All of us are busily going
on our way, with our own agendas and plans. But sometimes God throws a bit of a
detour into the plan. We can react to it in two ways. We can fight it and keep
on trying to climb that hill, or we can stop and listen for His voice to see if
perhaps there is another plan in place.
A friend told me a story about going on a mission trip to
India. The plans had been well made, the itinerary laid out and everything
seemed in place. But when they arrived no-one met them. My friend said it was
interesting to see how the group members handled it. Those from North America
were stressed and some were angry. They wanted to call some one and get it all
straightened out so they could get back on schedule. But there were two fellows
from Africa who counselled a different way. They suggested the group wait and
pray. So they slept in the train station that night and prayed.
The next day a young man arrived on a motorcycle. "I've
been sent to get you," he said. But he was not from the mission and had no
idea why he was sent to get them. After some debate they decided to go with him
and ended up having a tremendous time of ministry and growth in his village.
Nothing was structured. Each day was a routine of waking up and praying to see
what God wanted them to do. And each day they were blessed. They never did
connect with the original group they were supposed to work with but they all
knew they had done what God intended.
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the
Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21
****
Marcia's devotionals have won awards in Canada and the US. Her devotional ebook for authors, Abundant Rain is now available for Kindle. Visit her website to learn more about Marcia's writing and speaking ministry.
4 comments:
Great stories, Marcia!
I still find myself being amazed with such turns of events that show the providential wisdom and hand of God in the affairs of those who desire to please Him, even after experiencing them in my own life as well as learning about them happening in the lives of others.
It seems at times that destinies (or at least trajectories) hinge on those pesky "detours," eh?
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So true, Peter!
A great reminder Martha. God knows the plans he has for us - we just have to listen for Him and be willing to alter our agenda.
very encouraging!
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