Today's devotional reading coincides with my daughter Rachel's birthday. Sometimes God surprises us with a gift such as this.
The title of Stott's reflection today was based on Paul's experience trying to get to Rome. Everything stood in his way and the evil one tried everything to stop him from going. But, God, sovereignly got him there as a prisoner. Paul made it to Rome in the least likely of ways but he got there and both on his way and from there able to produce some amazing inspirational pieces as well as witness along the way.
The title of Stott's reflection was "The Providence of God" based on Romans 15:24 and Colossians 1:15-18. The fact that this piece was meant for me to read on my daughter's birthday was a pleasant surprise! As you know, all my children are surprise gifts from God. The doctors told us we couldn't have kids and simply through prayer and faith, God provided them for us. Why the Lord doesn't always answer in such a dramatic fashion, I don't know but I do know he is sovereign and his providence is worth praise.
It had been a long time since our first daughter Rebecca was born and we were seeking God for another child. A friend had just been engaged in Costa Rica and brought his fiance and future mother-in-law to meet us for dinner. They felt compelled to pray for us and ask God for a child and then said, "By the time of your coming to the wedding, you will be with child." Sure enough, right before we went to the wedding, we found that Silk was pregnant. Another delightful surprise from Christ.
Why today? As you may or may not know, I'm trusting God for what appears to be an insurmountable sum of funds we need to raise for our mission. From the look of men's eyes, the amount seems unlikely at best and impossible by many. However, God's sovereignty and his providence reigns supreme! I am walking by faith and today's devotion on my daughter's birthday is simply another reminder that I can rely on him and trust him.
What a great gift God has given me this day in this news and what a wonderful daughter he has given Silk and me. Rachel is beautiful, bright and simply amazing. Her talents are immense and to see her now turn 14 is a great joy for me.
