"The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?" Proverbs 20:24 NLT
The Charlotte Observer published a story Monday titled, "His heart stopped during a race. Was he saved by luck, by God, or ... something else?" that chronicled the events of the day Nathan Taylor, a 46-year-old attorney, nearly died. On March 24, Taylor, who was participating in the Elizabeth 8k Road Race, collapsed into sudden cardiac arrest. Elaine Barnes, who "just happened" to be a long-time cardiac nurse, and "just happened" to be running 12 feet behind him saw him go down and immediately started the chest compressions that kept him alive until the ambulance arrived. And while Nathan attributes the string of events to coincidence, Elaine said, "Nothing happens by chance. I was meant to be there, I was meant to run that race, I was meant to be behind him. God put me there. That’s the way I feel. Because I can’t explain it any other way."
And Elaine can't explain it any other way because there is no other way to explain it. The Bible is very clear that, "the Lord directs our steps" and nothing occurs by mere fate, chance or happenstance. And while we may not always "understand everything along the way," like why God puts us in certain situations, we can be sure of one thing. If we are obedient, God will put us in the right place at the right time to achieve His purpose and bring Him glory.
So the next time you're standing next to a stranger in the store, sitting next to a stranger on a plane, or running alongside one, remember this my friend. God has an uncanny way of putting us in the right place at the right time for the right purpose. So listen carefully for the Spirits' prompting and let Him use you.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that Your hand is in everything. I pray that the events of this day would spur Nathan and his family to search for Truth and give their lives to You. Help us to be open and obedient to the Spirits' promptings to act that we might also be used to lead others to You and bring You glory. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen,
Happy Running!!!
Mandisa - The one He speaks through
No comments:
Post a Comment