While Mike was in the military, we would wait for him to “come down on orders.” These orders would tell us when and where to report for our next assignment. Although, in the military, we had little control over our destinies, I was assured in Acts 17:26, “The Lord of heaven and earth determined the times set for men and the exact places they should live.”

As His ambassadors, God sends us many places. Each and every day, we have divine appointments. Consider Joseph who was unjustly thrown into prison where God orchestrated an appointment with the cup bearer for Pharaoh. Only after about 2 years did the results of this encounter surface. Joseph was summoned to interpret  Pharaoh’s dream. As a result, by God’s sovereign purpose, Joseph was promoted to the second highest position in Egypt.

What kind of divine appointments does God have for you?  These assignments may not be where you expect. They may seem as mundane as offering kind words and a smile for a cashier or sharing coffee with someone who needs a listening ear.  Sometimes, these opportunities are disguised as appointments with a cardiologist or oncologist. Other times we may be dispatched as God’s representative as we meet with a school counselor or speak with a police officer.  In our human understanding, what appears to be bad news or an impossible circumstance become a tool in the hand of our master builder. Joseph explained to his brothers, “What you intended to harm me, God intended for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

Not all of God’s assignments are difficult or undesirable. He may send us to celebrate a wedding, direct us to a pottery class, or lead us to participate in line dancing.

 Show up. Love the world like Jesus. Trust Him to work. It doesn’t have to make sense to us!

Have I not commanded you be strong and courageous? Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go! Joshua 1:9