I often ask God for signs. Remember, I’m like Gideon, the least of my tribe. Who am I to write one book? Who am I to travel to Africa on mission trips? I was exhausted and overwhelmed at the ACFW conference. Time and again, God has confirmed that I am to write stories for him, but in my weakness, I began to doubt my calling for missions in Africa. I prayed, God, am I supposed to be a writer and go on mission trips to Africa. I can’t do both, unless it’s your will. It’s too much.
I’m scheduled to travel to Kenya on a mission trip in August, 2015. I made this commitment in December 2013. Is this something I chose to do or was it something God wanted me to do? Let’s be honest, writing and mission trips are time-consuming, expensive activities.
Sometimes it takes a while for God to answer our prayers, but this time it happened the next day when he arranged my lunch companion. I met Shirley Gould, a servant of God, who spent fourteen years serving as a missionary in Kenya with her husband. With over 500 conference attendees, I was amazed to have been connected, with Shirley. It was a busy conference, so Shirley and I exchanged cards and promised to email each other.
The next day at lunch, I looked up, and Shirley was pulling out a chair to my right. We had more time to talk, and I discovered Shirley is originally from Texas, but today she lives in Cross Plains, TN (about 20 minutes from my home). We ascertained her daughter lives about 2 miles from my house. I remember praying, Thank you Father for answered prayer.
Have you ever had a divine appointment?
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:15
