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When Love Lands in Unexpected Places

by | Faith, Ideas | 2 comments

by Cathy Baker @cathysbaker
 
“Trying to figure out God is like trying to catch a fish in the Pacific Ocean with an inch of dental floss.” -Matt Chandler, The Explicit Gospel

I thought I had it all figured out.

As I assembled my Valentine Promise Jars last week, I sensed I should leave one tag without a name. This didn’t make sense. I’d made “the” list and now the only thing left to do was to assemble the gifts and fill out a tag for each recipient. But on the morning before Valentine’s Day, there sat one lone jar of promises on my farm table. I prayed that God would lay on my heart the name of the person He intended it for.
Valentine Promise Jar

Almost immediately, a dear friend in our church came to mind. Because I’d made the jars with singles in mind, I was surprised. This friend is married with four beautiful {inside and out} children. However, when I handed it to her on Sunday morning there was no denying it was meant for her.

When we’re willing to release our intended outcomes, we are inviting God to do what only He can do.
On that same Sunday, our church learned that a business we had planned to bless with gift bags filled with goodies could not be accepted. Of course, that simply means God wants His love to land elsewhere. Praise God! On a human level, it was a little frustrating, but when we focus on God’s sovereignty instead of our best intentions, He is glorified in ways we could never imagine.
Has there been a time in your life when You’ve seen love land in unexpected places thanks to God’s sovereignty? Please share in the comment section!
“Were He to snatch away, who could restrain Him? Who could say to Him, ‘What are you doing?'” Job 9:12

2 Comments

  1. Ginger Harrington
    Ginger Harrington on February 17, 2016 at 10:54 pm

    I'm sure everyone was blessed by your kindness. You're right, sometimes things don't work out like we planned and that can be frustrating or disappointing. I love your attitude of recognizing God has another recipient in mind.

    Reply
  2. cathy.baker
    cathy.baker on February 17, 2016 at 11:15 pm

    Thanks so much, Ginger. I hope they were blessed — to God be the glory! 🙂

    Your most recent post is {especially} good. Thanks again for the reminder to stay focused more on the being part of life rather than the doing. Good stuff!

    Blessings!

    Reply

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