It was a normal afternoon, but God had something special in store.
My friends and I headed up into the mountains, hoping to find a nice peaceful lake, and some quality time in nature. Originally, the plan was to go to "Big Bear" but as it was getting late in the afternoon, I suggested that we go to "Lake Gregory." So that's where we went!
The weather was perfect and the conversation entertaining, as we walked around the lake, pausing at various exercise stations to practice our skills. There were a few other hikers out, but not that many, and we enjoyed the peace and solitude.
Later, as sundown approached, we grabbed our Bibles and Dave got his Guitar, so we could have evening worship and talk about how God had been leading in our lives. As we walked along the lake, past the many fishermen and picnickers, we looked for a quiet secluded spot. And finally we found it! It was beautiful to sing and share...
What we didn't realize was, that a young couple nearby, had been watching us, and felt that God wanted them to talk to us. But it took them awhile to get the courage up to come approach our group. Finally they did...disguising their interest in asking "if" we knew of a good place to eat. We ended up inviting them to join our group, and they did! Then they shared their story.
The girl had been a Christian for many years, but her husband had just given his life to Christ. In fact, only a few days before. And as he was seeking for victory and peace in some important areas of his life, he had felt God calling him to come to the mountains. But, after sitting by the lake for a couple hours, he hadn't found what he had been looking for...until we walked by! Then it was he knew that they were to talk with us!
We each took turns sharing our testimonies and talking about God's faithfulness. We were sooo encouraged and blessed to see how God had been working in their lives, and also, that He had ordained our paths to cross....just so we could encourage and pray with them!
By the time we reluctantly parted later that evening....it was well past dark! But the light of God's love was shining in our hearts...
What a special time we would have missed...if we hadn't followed God's call to the mountains!
My friends and I headed up into the mountains, hoping to find a nice peaceful lake, and some quality time in nature. Originally, the plan was to go to "Big Bear" but as it was getting late in the afternoon, I suggested that we go to "Lake Gregory." So that's where we went!
The weather was perfect and the conversation entertaining, as we walked around the lake, pausing at various exercise stations to practice our skills. There were a few other hikers out, but not that many, and we enjoyed the peace and solitude.
Later, as sundown approached, we grabbed our Bibles and Dave got his Guitar, so we could have evening worship and talk about how God had been leading in our lives. As we walked along the lake, past the many fishermen and picnickers, we looked for a quiet secluded spot. And finally we found it! It was beautiful to sing and share...
What we didn't realize was, that a young couple nearby, had been watching us, and felt that God wanted them to talk to us. But it took them awhile to get the courage up to come approach our group. Finally they did...disguising their interest in asking "if" we knew of a good place to eat. We ended up inviting them to join our group, and they did! Then they shared their story.
The girl had been a Christian for many years, but her husband had just given his life to Christ. In fact, only a few days before. And as he was seeking for victory and peace in some important areas of his life, he had felt God calling him to come to the mountains. But, after sitting by the lake for a couple hours, he hadn't found what he had been looking for...until we walked by! Then it was he knew that they were to talk with us!
We each took turns sharing our testimonies and talking about God's faithfulness. We were sooo encouraged and blessed to see how God had been working in their lives, and also, that He had ordained our paths to cross....just so we could encourage and pray with them!
By the time we reluctantly parted later that evening....it was well past dark! But the light of God's love was shining in our hearts...
What a special time we would have missed...if we hadn't followed God's call to the mountains!
1/30/09 - Update Note: I kept in touch with Alan and Amanda, and God has continued to lead. Almost 6 months after this "Divine Appointment" Amanda came to spend a couple weeks with me as she sought for complete Freedom in Christ, and for strength to walk and live a new healthy life. And God has been working miraculously for both of us in this experience!! (Read newer posts from January and February 2009 for updates.)
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