Saturday, April 9, 2011

God’s Unexpected Surprises!


“From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another” (John 1:16)

       “You listen to Joyce Meyer?” my coworker asked me after opening my glove compartment to hand me my sunglasses, which was filled with Michael Jackson and gospel CDs and cassettes. We were headed to the Baltimore Inner Harbor to attend a continuing medical education seminar.
       “My sister listens to Joyce Meyer all the time,” she continued. “Yeah I really like her,” I replied. “Do you listen to Charles Stanley?” I asked. “Yeah I listen to him,” she said. “I love Charles Stanley.”
       Now, I was curious.
       “If she was familiar with Joyce Meyer and listened to Charles Stanley, she must be a Christian,” I thought.
       “I didn’t know you were a Christian Gwen*,” I said. “Oh yeah, I’ve been saved for years.”
       “Really?” I replied.
       Gwen had always been so private about her faith, but not in this moment. She told me how she met the Lord, and how He changed her life. We spent most of the drive to Baltimore talking about how God has worked in each of our lives. It was incredible. “What a blessing,” I thought. God was definitely with us, and He answered my prayers in ways I didn’t expect.
       After we arrived at the hotel where we were staying, we decided to walk along the harbor with our cameras in tow to take in the sites and snap some pictures. (See more photos of the harbor here.) It was sunny, windy, and hot.
       After our hour-long walk and photo session, we freshened up and attended the seminar. While the seminar wasn’t as successful as we’d hoped, I still felt God’s presence.
       The next morning, I ate a delicious buffet breakfast that included hot tea, eggs, grits, bacon, and a bagel with butter and strawberry jam. Yum!
       On the drive back home, Gwen and I continued to talk about the Lord. God’s presence and blessing were still with us. It almost felt euphoric, like I was on a spiritual high.
       When I got home and turned on my computer to check my email and do some work, I received an email from another coworker about how she had received Christ, met with her Pastor to talk about what was going on in her heart, and how excited she was to begin a bible study for the first time. She said she knew I was a Christian, so she felt comfortable sharing her experience with me. I was shocked. “This must be the week God wants me to know who my Christian coworkers are,” I thought.
       Just a few weeks ago, the Lord gave me the opportunity to pray with a coworker who I knew was a Christian about an extremely difficult project we were working on. And when we prayed, God’s presence enveloped us.
       Work has not been pleasant lately, but God surely has brightened things up when I least expected it?  He has a way of doing that, doesn’t he?
May we praise His holy name!

Prayer: Thank you Lord for your mesmerizing presence, the blessing of your people, and your strengthening power. In Jesus’ name, amen.

** This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays here.

20 comments:

  1. It is great knowing there are Christians outside of our circle at church. They can be found anywhere and it is exciting to know that we have the freedom to talk about the Lord wherever we go and with whomever we wish. Great post, thank you

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  2. Judy, What a tremendous blessing. You know this post kinda reminded me of Elijah. Remember how discouraged he was, thinking he was all alone in his dedication to the Lord? And how God showed him that there were 7,000 others who were still loyal to the Lord? (1 Kings 19) It seems to me that God did something like that for you. He showed you that you are not alone - He is there, and you have other members of the Body surrounding you. What a blessing!!

    Thanks for sharing this very encouraging post.

    GOD BLESS!

    (p.s. I liked how you said the "mesmerizing presence" of the Lord. Yes, that was a great word choice - He is enchanting and I am enraptured by His presence!)

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  3. This reminds me of something that happened to me a few years ago. My husband and I were once a part of a bowling league. We stopped bowling a few years back, and a couple of years ago someone called us from the bowling center to say they had found some of our old gear and wanted to know if we wanted it.

    When we stopped to pick it up, we began talking with a man who we knew from the bowling years. He had suffered some major health problems since that time, but gave God glory and praise throughout his ordeal. When we left, I made the remark to my husband that I didn't know this man was a Christian. Then I stopped to wonder if anyone would have known that I was back in those days.

    We never know who is watching.

    Blessings,
    Joan

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  4. Being able to pray with a coworker is a blessing.
    God Bless,
    Ginger

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  5. What wonderful blessings! It's glorious when God gives us those reminders that He is truly listening and knows our needs and will fill them. Thanks for sharing the miracles in your life.

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  6. Hi Judy, God uncovers the treasures around us as just the right time to spur us on. Comforting to know that you are not alone.

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  7. Such amazing blessings! I'm so glad you shared these miracles with us! Have a blessed week!!

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  8. God always blesses us in the middle of life. I love that. He's so good at surprises. Praising God with you for these miracles. Your light is shinning!

    Joyfully,
    Pamela

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  9. Hi Judith -

    This was a treat to read. Thank you for sharing about your fellowships with our Lord, and His children.

    I lived in Baltimore for three years. You brought back memories with your mention of it.

    Thank you, Judith.

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  10. Hi Judith, Praising God that he has led you co-workers that share the faith. Thank you for sharing this for Spiritual Sunday.

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  11. Oh, I love this, Judy. I suspect that there are a lot more Christians "out there" than we know. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  12. Hi Judy,

    I am encouraged by hearing what God is doing in the lives of His children. His mercies endure forever. I am standing with you regarding the current climate of your workplace; praying for God's peace to flow.

    Blessings and peace.

    MTJ

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  13. Christian friends and co-workers truly are a blessing to be thankful for. I'm glad you're finding so many where you are!

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  14. Wow, that is really neat! It's amazing when something happens that clearly shows God at work! Thanks for sharing! :)

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  15. What a beautiful story! It is always a blessing to be able to pray with someone at work. Have you ever listen to Charles Stanley's son Andy Stanley?
    He is awesome to listen to as well.
    Blessings,
    Ginger

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  16. How wonderful! What a blessing to find you have Christian co-workers!

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  17. What a lovely surprise, no longer are you just work friends but also sisters in Christ..That is so great..and to hear her open up and share her testimony..very happy for both of you..
    God Bless.

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  18. Excellent post, and thanks for sharing. Your experience you share in this post illustrates how we can experience God's presence in a seemingly ordinary day, thereby making the day extraordinary.

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  19. What a beautiful post! I am SO glad that God is showing you a community of like-minded people within your work. God is so good, isn't He? It is great when our eyes are opened to His blessings!

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  20. It is always so encouraging when we have a chance to fellowship unexpectedly with other believers. Continue to let your light shine girl. You will be richly rewarded.


    Beverly

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