Brushes with the Divine – April 24
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 30, 32; PM Psalm 42, 43; Dan. 6:16-28; 3 John 1-15; Luke 5:27-39
Have you heard someone’s story of a brush with the Divine and gotten chills? Maybe those little goosebumps ascended on your skin as you felt a sense of awe and wonder. A neighbor was sharing a special story about her own family that was filled with uncanny coincidences that were more like “God-winks”, holy whispers in the crashing waves of the ocean, and changed lives because of God’s healing presence through prayer.
Many years ago, God laid on Britney’s heart this wisp of a thought that she would adopt a child with Down’s Syndrome. At the time, she was a special education teacher and single mom with two young kids. She kept praying about this, though it seemed impossible on all counts. As time went on, Britney started dating someone and she shared her inkling of where God was calling her to serve. She and Gary got married and had a blended family with elementary school aged kids. While at the beach on vacation several years into their marriage, an email went out from their church with an urgent request: a child with Down’s Syndrome was in need of a family, as both of his parents had died; he would be going to an orphanage later that week if no home was found for him.
Gary shared the email with Britney, and they were stunned. Was this the fulfillment of that wisp of a holy call that she had heard years before? They went through a wave of emotions and conversations: How could we afford it? How could this work? Surely this isn’t meant for us?
Early the next morning during their quiet times, Gary was reflecting on the balcony of the condo and Britney was on the beach. As she sat, she heard with each crash of the waves upon the sand, “He is yours. He is yours. He is yours.” With a tear-stained face, she went back up to the beach rental and Gary met her at the door. He said, “I know – he is ours.”
Some amazing next steps fell into place. They packed up and left the beach and rushed back home. They attended the hearing for the 10 year old boy’s placement. They were able to speak with the judge. The Darren never had to go to the orphanage. He found his forever home with Britney and Gary. God called them to be his second parents…and to continue loving him as his first parents did – and as God does.
The attorney appointed to protect Darren listened to Britney’s story, which was quite remarkable. She responded, “I’m not a person of faith, and after hearing you, I need to know this God of yours.”
I need to know this God of yours.
I think of the words of King Darius from Daniel 6, after he found Daniel unscathed in the lions’ den: “‘May you have abundant prosperity! I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people should tremble and fear before the God of Daniel:
For he is the living God,
enduring for ever.
His kingdom shall never be destroyed,
and his dominion has no end.
He delivers and rescues,
he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth;
for he has saved Daniel
from the power of the lions.” (v. 25b-27)
I also hear the words of the psalmist in Psalm 30 as I reflect on my neighbor’s story:
Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me;
O Lord, be my helper."
You have turned my wailing into dancing;
you have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy.
Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing;
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks for ever. (v. 11-13)
When our prayers of faithfulness are answered in clear ways – when we reflect and see God working in our lives – we are filled with wonder. Today’s psalm reminds us to sing to God without ceasing and give thanks to God for ever. Maybe you and I do not have our own personal stories of divine revelation...sometimes we are gifted the stories that others tell about their powerful brushes with the Divine, and we are drawn to know God, too.
-- Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
When have you felt God rescuing you? From what do you pray for rescue or deliverance today?
Who in your life needs prayers for deliverance or healing today?
Daily Challenge
Tell someone about your prayer life, and how you are honestly faring with your faith. Invite them to share something meaningful with you about their own walk with God.