In
the Details
People in
my life probably get tired of my saying, “God is in the
details,” but the more the work of Crosswalk expands, the
more aware I am of His hand bringing people and situations together
to accomplish His purpose. He truly does orchestrate the most
minute details, and it frequently happens when we need affirmation
or encouragement the most. Squire Rushnell calls this a “God
wink” – one of those special moments
that other people might call a coincidence, but you know is a
personal and profound demonstration of His affection for you.
God’s way of saying, “Hey, kiddo, I’m thinking
of you right now.”
Last Sunday
was one of those moments. Our monthly birthday party at Paulding
RYDC celebrated the lives of 14 young men and women who listened
attentively to the message God had given me to share with them.
As we talked with them individually at their tables, they eagerly
gave us their prayer requests and discussed plans for change in
their lives. One of the young ladies at a table with me just happened
to mention that one of her cellmates was scheduled to leave soon.
As soon as she said the name, I knew. Kwamaria is not a common
name, and even though I had not seen her since November of 2009,
at a cottage Bible study at Macon YDC, I still remembered her
last name. When I asked the girl her last name, I had my answer,
and once the girl realized that I knew her cellmate, she told
me how sad this young lady had been lately. I opened my prayer
book to the first page and showed the officer on duty that I have
had Kwamaria in my prayers for almost a year. She agreed to let
me have special visitation with her after the birthday kids were
returned to their units.
The surprise
on her face was priceless when she came into the room and we embraced.
In the next 20 minutes, she shared how she had been transferred
to Paulding County, too far away from her home in south Georgia
for her family to visit. She kept saying over and over, “I
just can’t believe this. You’re really here.”
She shared that her relationship with God is stronger than ever,
and with the officer’s permission, I gave her a copy of
Doing Time With God,
a devotional book written by kids in lock-up and published by
our friends at Straight
Ahead in Boston. Inside I had stamped our
address, and she promised to write.
In that moment
God brought together a monthly birthday party with a weekly cottage
Bible study in facilities over 150 miles apart. What are the chances
that all the details of that afternoon would fall into place at
just the right time for God to use me to encourage this lonely
but faithful daughter of His? He never ceases to amaze me! Yes,
my friends, God is always in the details.
(This is a
fictional name although her real name is unusual too)
God
Talk: Inside the RAV—Blackberries
By Lanie Maiden
There are
griefs in my heart from a dark history
I want to
move past them and change but I
Can’t
see past the torment in me
I don’t
know how to move on
Be
with all these emotions attacking me
God
help me start over make me believe
I
know that you have a better plan for me
But
my hearts not ready Jesus help me
As I draw
close to you I glimpse sight of Hope
And it pulls
me like the oceans tide
There is a
place in you I find peace
Please let
me stay here for a while
Lord
I know that you understand
Will
you take me just as I am
|
