I Needed a Plan: God Already Had One

How was I going to reach her?

Nagging concern prevented me from falling asleep. My body was tired, but my mind was alert with questions; with the practicalities of how it would work out. I needed a plan.

I had received a text two weeks earlier inviting me to be part of the tenth anniversary celebration of the upcoming women’s conference at my church. I wasn’t asked to speak, dance or sing (love singing but can’t carry a tune), all I had to do was sit on the stage with others who had received the same invitation. Others who like me had volunteered over the last nine years to serve at the conference. We were but a small collection of the vast numbers who had volunteered their time, talent and energy. An honor indeed to represent the many volunteers.

The plan was to simply sit there while those who led the session reminisced the last nine years. Sounded easy enough. The texted instructions informed me after the session we were to leave the stage but stay at the front to pray with those who respond to the call for prayer; an honor indeed.

I knew there would be women who would come forward for prayer. I also knew from personal experience there are those who resist coming forward even though everything inside of them longs to. It’s amazing the excuses we come up with. Here are a few I have used myself from time to time, see if any of them sound familiar to you.

The line is too long.

I don’t want to go out in front of my friends

I need the restroom…right now!

My need is too small.

I can’t get out of my row.

The last one is the one that bothered me. How was I going to reach the woman in the middle of the row? The one who needed someone to stand with with her, to pray with and over her. The one whose heart was breaking right there surrounded by others yet feeling isolated. How was I going to physically get to her?

I should have known God had already thought of that. Why else would I have had this burning concern for the woman in the middle if He had not already seen her.

I tend to be a rule follower with a splash of break-the-rules-occasionally kind of girl. When on the day the prayer line didn’t follow immediately after the sitting on the stage part it threw me for a loop. I made my way back to my seat awaiting the appropriate time to be part of the altar prayer warriors.

When it came I realized I could not get out of my row without disturbing others who by now were in prayer…and I wasn’t about to do that (a rule from my childhood church). For a few seconds which seemed more like minutes I panicked. I was letting the team down and not fulfilling my obligation. I was failing the most important task I was asked to do.

Panic over. I relaxed and gave it to the Lord. He knew my heart, He knew I was willing. I was just going to have to let it go.

Then I noticed her…

…the young woman on my right.

Was that a tear trickling down her face? Trying not to be intrusive I leaned slightly forward with a hope-you-can’t-see-me side way look…

…and yes, definitely a tear followed by another. I put my arm around her. She turned towards me and leaned into my shoulder as we embraced each other. Praying over her she let the dam burst releasing her hurts to the Lord and receiving healing in return.

There was eleven seats in the row. I was sat bang in the middle with five ladies to my right and five to my left. The Lord had placed me right where He needed me to be. He had placed her right where he needed her to be.

My recalling of these events is not to give myself a pat on the shoulder, rather it is to show how if we are willing the Lord will place us exactly where He wants us to be. To minister to the one who needs Him.

Maybe like me you get concerned over details wanting everything to go smoothly and when it doesn’t it throws you for a loop. I want the plan and I want it to go as planned, but more importantly I want it to go as God planned.

Sister, our Heavenly Father has thought of every detail. We can relax knowing that He sees us. He knows the where, the when and the how. He knows who we need to reach. He knows what doors need to be opened and the ones that need to close; He will direct our steps.

The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him. Psalm 37:23 TNIV

Live Radiant in Christ

Helena

Photo Credits: Unsplash/Louis Hansel & Gabriel Tresch