The Deeds of the Lord…
By: Kelley Hinson
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Psalm 77:11-12
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work and meditate on your mighty deeds.
This is a long read and I have two verses today to share with you because they go hand in hand with one another. How? That’s what I am about to share. I had “an experience” with the Lord Wednesday that affected me so greatly it renewed my heart and added just a little more flame to the fire He has already lit in me. There has been so much that has happened in the last couple weeks. Coincidence? Those of you that know me or have read any of my material know that I don’t believe in coincidence so...there’s that.
Anyway, Wednesday my daughter and I were going to meet for breakfast. My daughter-in-law called just prior to me leaving the house to tell me she was on her way to clean my house. Which was odd simply because she never comes till late afternoon. Instead, I invited her to go with me to meet Sophia for breakfast. As I was waiting for her, I had the thought to take a copy of my book to the Christian bookstore a friend told me about in the town that I was headed to, and pick up a couple things for a gift box that Shanna and I are making for a woman that I was approached about by a concerned friend of hers...if I had time to stop. This particular store was a bit out of the way, so time was definitely a factor in this decision. I teach on Wednesday night and my lesson was not completely done at this point, so I felt I had just enough time to soak in an hour or two with my precious daughter on a day my heart was heavy. Autumn arrived and I quickly gathered my things, and we headed out.
Autumn and I were discussing everything under the sun on our way into town and just outside of Murray I get a call from my daughter. I just knew that she was calling to ask where I was. I even answered the phone in a way that let her know I was almost there and not to worry. She said to take my time because she had run into a couple roadblocks due to fiberoptic lines being installed and she had to reroute so she would be late. I told her no worries; I had something I wanted to do anyway. By this time, I was entering Murray, so I made a right turn and headed to where I thought this bookstore was. Turns out I was wrong, and construction stood in the way of me reaching my destination. Thanks to my co-pilot I was able to navigate around and reach the bookstore without losing my mind in frustration.
We walk into The New Life Christian Bookstore with a purpose in mind, and my senses were hit with an amazing mix of aromas and I inhaled deeply as we walked to the center of the store. I was taking in all the different possibilities for this care package lovingly named a “Wildflower Box” by Shanna and I in a conversation over what to do for this precious woman that God had placed on our radar. I heard a muffled voice call to us, “Hello! How can I help you today?”, from the center of the store. I looked over and saw a lady perched behind a counter eating her breakfast and apologizing for having her mouth full. I giggled and told her not to worry, I understand you had to eat while the opportunity was presented. I told her what I needed and though she didn’t have the specific thing I requested she directed me to a rack that may contain something similar. As I was perusing, she was telling me about the different things they had and Autumn elbowed me and handed me one of the items we were looking at. Perfect! I had found item #1. Then something this sweet lady was telling me about hit another bullseye and I excitedly told her to direct me to this item. She walked and talked with me and as she talked her giant poodle/great Dane mix, dutifully walked behind her. I smiled and felt my heart constrict just a bit, because I had just lost my sweet “Ben” the week prior and a memory of him hit me at that moment. She handed me the book we were seeking, we talked about her sweet pup, and then we began to discuss her mission and ministry. It was so similar to what Shanna and I want for our ministry! Her ministry...her shop...the coffee bar...down to the very smallest detail. I smiled and my heart surged with excitement. I looked around and saw her dream realized for her as she told me all that God had done for her, and I felt hope rise up so high in my chest that I looked up and said, “Thank You for showing this to me”, silently from my heart. As I was paying for the items that God found for me, I had almost forgotten to give her my book. So, I quickly retrieved it and handed it to her. She looked at my name on the cover and pointed to it. I have seen your name...did you email me? I said no and she looked at me then to the book and said, “well, ok,” and smiled sweetly. She set it down in front of her and told me she would try her best to get to it. I thanked her and we gathered our things and walked out of the store. On our way to the restaurant, I realized I didn’t leave my number with her or any form of contact information, and in the same thought I realized I didn’t care. The experience I had in that store outweighed anything else in my thought process. I received an answered prayer and a Jesus wink...that was enough for me. I even realized that Autumn was meant to experience that feeling with me for whatever reason. If she never read a word of that book, it was ok she gave me so much more.
Shanna and I are in a waiting season. God is revealing what His will is for us in ways that can’t be denied. He is opening door after door and placing people and experiences in our path that are evident and specific. If we didn’t have the relationship with Him that we have and meditate on His word and will for us...if we were paying attention to what the world throws at us to derail us, we would never see the glory and wonder of our Almighty God that is so in our face. Every detail of Wednesday morning led me to that bookstore and to that sweet woman that is doing the Lord’s work. He knew I needed encouragement. He knew I needed Him. He always knows, we only have to pay attention to see His glory in action. I encourage you to not be conformed by what the world dishes out. We are tested but those tests reveal His presence in our lives by the way we respond to them. Don’t let circumstances, lack of time, an impassable obstacle, or whatever else you see as a roadblock, stop you from following God’s will for you. Meditate on the goodness of God. Praise Him when you see a beautiful sunrise or a frustrating area of construction. He sees you and your heart. Love Him unconditionally and you will receive that unconditional love in return.
