by Emily Wooten
Divine Appointments
(From Genesis 29:1–20) Jacob had been traveling to his uncle’s house when he stopped at a well. This well was important because it was where all the shepherds brought their flocks for water. He saw some shepherds who were waiting to water their sheep. Jacob asked, “Do you know a man named Laban, the son of Nahor?” They told him yes, and that his uncle was doing well.
While they were still talking, Rachel arrived, leading her father’s sheep. When Jacob saw Rachel, he was excited. Jacob went up to her, kissed her, and suddenly burst into tears. He told her who he was, and Rachel was excited too. She ran as fast as she could to tell her father the news..
This is the story of how Israel and the twelve tribes of Israel began. A young girl who was faithful was in the right place at the right time. Because of her faithfulness, a nation was born.
(From Mark 14:13-14) Jesus told his disciples, “Go into the city. As soon as you enter, you will see a man carrying a jar of water. Follow him. When he goes into a house, speak to the owner and say, ‘The teacher asks where he may eat the Passover with his disciples.’”
The man showed the disciples where the upper room was, and they prepared for the Passover meal. The man obeyed and the disciples followed instruction.
(From 1 Kings 17:7-6) God had arranged for a widow woman to feed Elijah. When he came to the gate of the city, the widow was there gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and asked her to bring him water to drink and a little bread to eat. She explained that she was preparing the last of her oil and meal for herself and her son. Elijah told her not to worry. God had a plan of provision for both the widow woman and Elijah. They obeyed God’s instructions and ate well.
In all these stories, obedience was necessary for God to successfully arrange their divine appointments. We have a role to play in receiving God’s provision.
In Jacob’s case, both he and his future wife needed to be in the right place at the right time—and they were. With the man who helped the disciples find the place where Jesus would eat the Passover meal, something as simple as being in the city street with a pitcher of water made it possible for God to move.
The woman and her son trusted God and did what they were told. Obedience caused them to have provision when those around them suffered lack.
We need to listen to our inward witness and follow God’s plan for us. A simple act of obedience could facilitate a major move of God. Obedience is the key to receiving from God. Faithfulness is the key to being where and when we need to be.