This weekend I went to a gathering in the park that a friend invited me to. It was hosted by some folks who wanted to gather to worship and pray for that particular section of the city. When I arrived (late) there were only two other people. "Oh boy" was the only thought that came to mind. I'd had a rough week and was looking forward to finding a cut of grass to lay out and soak up the music. Not as easy to hide when there are only 3 ppl!
I sat in the pavilion with the other women, chatted for a bit, then decided to lay down on a bench when one of them began to play the guitar. Roughly 10 minutes later, I opened my eyes and in shock saw this etched into the ceiling of the pavilion we were under - right beneath where I was sitting/laying.
I sat up in shock and disbelief, my posture immediately changed, and I knew God was getting my attention.
I sat up in shock and disbelief, my posture immediately changed, and I knew God was getting my attention. What were the chances that in this tiny park, in this remote (and it sure was remote) corner of the city that someone (me) by this uncommon name would be sitting directly under this "writing on the wall"? What were the chances? I had literal goosebumps.
I texted my sister: "You'll never guess what just happened..."
There's a theory that whatever you're looking for, that's what you'll find. If you go looking for offense, you're gonna find it. If you go looking for real love, you're gonna find it" (Sara Groves lyrics). But I also happen to think that if you just keep your eyes open, there are certain things you need that will find you.
I had been in what felt like a one-way conversation with Him all week, trying to get some serious answers about some serious life things.
God got my attention. I had been in what felt like a one-way conversation with Him all week, trying to get some serious answers about some serious life things. When i saw my (again very uncommon) last name etched into the ceiling "Ike was here" in a space I'd never been, i knew he was responding: "I see you, girl. I got you."
The evening passed on. Other people arrived. We got to talk with some passerbyers who saw us and asked us to pray for some things going on in their lives. But I knew that ultimately I was there for God and he cared enough to get my attention.
I am beginning to learn how much God uses our openness to speak to us in the most unassuming ways; and this has me wondering what other means He has used to try and get my attention in the past - however subtle or blatant.
This specific encounter has had me trying to rationalize what happened...
This specific encounter has had me trying to rationalize what happened...trying to poke holes in how that evening played out to minimize this to a mere coincidence. But no matter how hard i try, i'm not able to.
I could have stayed home (i almost did)
I could have sat on the other side of the pavilion (i didn't)
On any other day, I never would have laid down on the bench (and if I hadn't i would never have looked directly up at the ceiling.
Can't find the holes.
I wanted to share this story b/c so often we relegate God to this distant being who is neither engaged in our lives nor interested in trying to be.
Today I am moved by his nearness...and I wanted to share that with you.
Joy IKE
Creator of Wearing Love
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