Right on Time...

I had planned an event that would take place on a Sunday afternoon. Participants had been scheduled, the program outline had been confirmed, and decor ideas had been finalized along with other logistical aspects. As a first-time author, I was especially excited to be able to share the vision behind my first book along with three other first-time authors in a forum geared at motivating and inspiring others to pursue their "thing" and walk in it.

I ordered my books from the publishing entity just in time for them to arrive one day prior to the event. On the day that the books were to arrive, I was away from home for hours. However, that wasn't an issue for me because I knew that the box of books would be waiting for me outside my door or would be at the complex office upon my return. When I arrived back home, the books were not outside my door and the office was already closed for the evening. I desperately needed that box of books for the event the next day. I might mention that the office didn't open on Sundays. What was I going to do?

I tossed a few options around in my head. Maybe I could call the emergency number for the complex and request someone come back to the property to open the office so that I could retrieve my box of books. I didn't immediately jump on that option as I weighed in on another. I could email the property manager to explain my situation and get some assistance with my plight. I leaned toward that option after I'd called the emergency line to confirm whether or not I had any other options for reaching someone who could help. I didn't want to be a menace or abuse the emergency line privilege.

After emailing the property manager, I didn't receive a response email back immediately and I could feel anxiety creeping into my spirit. Everything else had worked out pretty well for this event to happen. This issue was definitely an obstacle in the way. I began talking to God, explaining how much I needed that box in order to go through with the event--one that had been planned as an initiative intended to reach people and impact their thoughts about living on purpose. I sensed the critical nature of what God had inspired me to create with the event and I decided to believe that He would provide a way for me to get those books.

I left home and headed to the restaurant to begin set up for the event. I tried to keep myself busy as I worked. I was not at peace as this situation remained unresolved and unattended to. I felt impressed to take a chance and call the emergency number. I left a message explaining more than once that it wasn't an emergency, but that I was in desperate need of the box in the office. I hung up, leaving it all in God's hands. A few minutes later, I received a call-back from the maintenance personnel who was on-call that weekend. His manner was pleasant and helpful as he informed me that he was scheduled to be on the property in the morning and promised to look in the office for the box and even deliver it to my door. Although I wouldn't have the books the night before as planned, I was guaranteed to have them prior to starting the event the next day.

What a sense of relief I felt coupled with a sense of provision! God already knew the pickle that I would find myself in. He knew that it would catch me off guard, but He already had the solution for my problem. Often, when life throws us off track with its unexpected circumstances, we teeter-totter on the brink of panic because it seems like things are not going to work out or are impossible. We are only able to see from our limited perspective while God sees the whole picture. He knows what we don't know and He sees what we can't see. We have to practice leaving it all in His hands because anything that He has ordained, He will also provide everything that is needed when it is needed without the exception of one thing! And when all seems hopeless, remember that when God is in it, it will always work out....maybe not in the way we planned, but in a way that will bring Him glory and progress our good.

Stay encouraged!