Friday Fight 223: From Mold to Ministry:
Every Friday, when I wake and pray, God places something on my heart to help fight darkness that begins in our minds. Today is FF223.
How many of us have a plan developed around something God places on our heart, but chaos stirs, and suddenly the plans shift? We know it's His plan, but suddenly there's a detour in the road, and we are left guessing. We may start with a clear agenda inspired by God, only to find it suddenly disrupted. When our plans shift, does the purpose disappear?
From Mold to Ministry:
Back in January, I felt the leading of the Holy Spirit to travel to Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) to pray. I was joined by a best friend and prayer partner. Traveling this week, the traffic and flights were awesome, but our first night in the hotel was miserable. We woke the next morning feeling congested and uncomfortable, and noticed that the hotel had a serious mold problem.
Our circumstances unexpectedly changed, and we quickly left the hotel. We were not ready to face the day we had planned. Though prayer doesn't depend on our comfort or appearance, we still needed to find a new hotel and a place to shower. I left that detail to God.
Our redirection led us to a nearby gym where we could shower and change. Part of my personal journey is learning to recognize how God works through obedience, not necessarily convenience, although I seem to need reminders. Why did God lead us to this particular gym? I was excited to find out.
While sitting in the wellness area, a young man, the manager, approached me and we began to talk. In our conversation, I shared our comical morning and my appreciation for being able to shower and prepare for the day. To our surprise, the gym manager, a fellow believer and SWU graduate, joined us in prayer. Together, we prayed for many things, including the local youth preparing for camp the following week. Meeting him filled my heart with joy!
Praying with him was not part of our schedule, nor was paying $25 for two towels, nor was showering and getting ready at the gym, nor finding another hotel. Yet through every inconvenience, the invitation is now abundantly clear.
Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Our inconvenience became part of God's plan by working through "all things," like inconveniences, mold, and perceived delays.
Lauren and I left SWU filled with joy at how God had framed our day. We met with those whom God intended us to meet at the college, where we learned the lesson of focusing on Him to find freedom in any situation.
When you pray about this Friday Fight, remember that our plans can change, but God's purpose remains constant. Stay ready. Stay available. Even when the road detours, God is still the one directing our path.
Our Heavenly Father works in chaos to build our trust. He draws us closer to Him through the guessing, detours, and all the moldy mess. We can be working for God, but we also have to be available for Him to work through us.
I want to thank those of you who have donated to this ministry. These donations, along with your support and prayers, are what make trips like this possible.
If you wish to support this ministry, please donate here:
https://newlifecv.churchcenter.com/giving/to/god-s-first-responders
In His Grace,
Pastor Shannon
River Church