Divine Interruptions

Sharon JaynesA Sudden Glory, Living Fully, Trusting God 104 Comments

Ever had a day when nothing turned out like you thought it would? Interruptions. Wrong turns. Traffic jams. Mercy!

Just the other day, I got a bit lost going to pick up takeout at a restaurant I had never been before. Once I arrived and got in line, I watched the woman in front of me with a baby in a stroller. God prompted me. “Pay for her meal.”

So, I did.

With tears in her eyes, she said, “How did you know my situation?”

I assured her that I had never seen her before, and I didn’t know anything about her “situation.” I also assured her that God did.

We talked for quite sometime. This woman was in a very dark chapter of her life. She had lost her job. Her daughter was an addict. Her funds were running low, and she had just been awarded full custody of that little baby granddaughter in the stroller.

I’m glad I was paying attention to what God was doing.

All day long God is working in us and around us. It is so easy to simply go about the task of living without seeing God’s handprints on our circumstances and footprints on our paths. When we see life as a “to do list” to check off, or random acts of fortune to celebrate or misfortune to endure, we miss seeing God and hearing His voice as the scarlet thread that connects the moments and the days of our lives.

Frederick Buechner noted, “All the absurd little meetings, decisions, inner skirmishes that go to make up our days. It all adds up to very little, and yet it all adds up to very much. Our days are full of nonsense, and yet not, because it is precisely into the nonsense of our days that God speaks to us words of great significance…”

When Jesus came to earth in human form, He had a definite plan and purpose. The Bible tells us, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work,”

(I John 3:8). Another translation says it this way: “The reason the Son of God was made manifest (visible) was to undo (destroy, loosen and dissolve) the works of the devil [has done]” (Amplified).

Even though Jesus had a plan and a purpose, He welcomed interruptions when His Father placed someone in His path. Jesus turned aside to care for the woman caught in adultery. He turned aside to heal a blind man. He turned aside to bless children even though the disciples tried to shoo them away.

He turned aside to heal a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years. Matthew tells us, “Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you,” (Matthew 9:22 NIV).

He turned aside to speak to curious Zacchaeus perched in a tree. He turned aside to woo a frightened insecure fourteen-year-old girl and welcome her with open arms – me.

Jesus paid attention to the circumstances of those around Him as he went from one place of ministry to the next. He noticed a woman mourning in a funeral procession for her only son, a woman drawing water by a well, and a lame man lying by a pool. To those looking on, they may have seen each of these situations as an interruption in Jesus’ busy schedule, but Jesus saw them as divine appointments.

For me, getting lost that day was an interruption. But you see, it wasn’t an interruption at all. It was a divine appointment I would have missed had I not taken a “wrong turn.” God had me on special assignment to tell one of His daughters that she was loved and seen. So, my wrong turn was God’s right turn.

Today, as you go through the tasks of daily living, pay attention to those around you. You never know when someone in your path may be your special assignment from God.

Dear Lord, I have so much to do today, but nothing is as important as what You have for me to do. Help me to pay attention to the lives around me and recognize any special assignments that You may have for me today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Are you willing to see your interruptions as divine today? If so, leave a comment and say, “I’m willing and on the lookout!”

Also, if you have a story about how you saw God work through an interruption, please click comment and share!

A Sudden Glory: God’s Lavish Response to Your Ache for Something More, is all about raising your expectations to experience the full, abundant life that Jesus came to give. It’s about looking for God’s fingerprints on your day.

If you’ve settled for a ho-hum, so-so Christian life, it is time to start enjoying the abundant life Jesus came to give. God wants you to experience His presence every day through moments of sudden glory where He makes His presence known. Ready to get started? Download a free sample chapter or watch the videos on my website. The book also includes a Bible Study Guide in the back that is perfect for groups!

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Comments 104

    1. I also went to a restaurant and someone paid for my meal. I asked God to be there so I guess God paid for my meal.

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  3. I do enjoy your stories! You talk about everyday life and that is what women need so much. Thank you😍

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  10. I am about to leave to meet me sister I have not seen for 2 years. I am so excited! Lord give us divine appointments as we travel and rest. Even in our short break together give us a chance to show your grace and love.

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  14. Recently, I had a very urgent financial need, and believing God for a miracle. But God ministered for me to first sow the little I was saving for the need and give the balance to someone who have more urgent financial need. Initially, this was very difficult for me, but knowing the God I serve, I obeyed. Then I received a call from someone unexpectedly and my own urgent financial need was met and much more.

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  16. “I’m willing and on the lookout!” I have a God Wink story! I was running a bit late when I left for a hair appointment. At the end of our multi-tenant driveway, an older woman was sitting in a brand new Lexus parked on the grass off the driveway, looking stressed. I did what anyone would do and asked if she was OK or lost? She said, “Oh yes, I am very lost!” OK, I said, what are you looking for? “I am trying to get to France Ave.” and I replied, do you know that is some 20 miles from here? (yes, because I was running late, I did not ask how she came to be no where near France Ave.) She did say “I have not been back to Minnesota for so long and I just don’t remember?” I told her that I was going to France Ave. this very moment and she could follow me to France Ave. She looked shocked when I said, just follow me. I knew it was a God-Wink moment at least for me and I said to her – the Lord placed me here today for you……she still looked a bit confused.

    Off we went down the freeway. Immediately as she started following me with her new card lisc. plates, I realized that she should have had built-in GPS in her new car. But, even I still have trouble at times with that feature (Ok, so I am considered old to some of you too). Indeed, she followed me to the France exit, but took the first left turn which put her toward shopping stores…..she waved at me at the stop light and I wondered where she was going???

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  18. Wow I needed this even though honestly I wasn’t interested there is a group of people God is wanting me to interrupt my busy schedule to notice someone I wouldn’t normally do. I need prayer tho because my attitude is exactly like yours I’m battling because it’s kind of a burden to me. However, I just thought about those who took their time to help me out in my time of great distress and they clearly had something else to do. So who am I to not offer assistance. Thank you for this reminder that I don’t deserve grace anymore than anyone else.

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  19. Oooofffff I am convicted. Too often I can be flustered by interruption and my perspective needed to be corrected-it’s not interruption, it’s divine intervention. Thank you for sharing this. Lord help me be a willing vessel that does not view interruptions as interruptions or bumps in my day but rather opportunity to serve You.

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  20. Beautiful I love being friends on GIF God blessed me and gives me my thoughts and awareness of things around me including myself (I can get in Gods way) through your ministry 🙏🙏🙏

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  23. I’m willing and on the lookout! I look forward to this email every week. Thank you so much for being there for me.

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  35. Ready and willing. There have been many many times God has spoken and worked through others for me and my family. Similar to your story about paying for the lady’s meal that day. I too have had similar situations where in a very tight financial place feeling hopeless and dejected to have someone pay for our meal or pay for groceries!! It was God answering prayer and showing me He never leaves us no matter the circumstances! Thank you for your inspiration !!

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  37. My husband and I were visiting a friend in the hospital and as we were leaving we passed a woman sitting in a wheelchair. She looked very downcast. We went to the elevator but the door wouldnt open. My husband and I realized that we were supposed to go pray with the woman we passed. She gratefully accepted my husbands offer to pray with her. She had a lot going on in her life and needed to know that God cared. When we returned to the elevator it opened immediately. We both knew that it was God appointed timing.

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  39. My ‘todo list’ so frequently dominates and dictates my days. I truly needed to hear and see this. I want to be willing and on the lookout. Be conscious of those God brings my way. I pray this is a new way of life for me. Thank you for your words and investment in our walk with Christ.

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  43. My husband and I had just left his Dr. Office and Dr felt it was probably time for hospice to be called. 57 yrs. and the probability of him being gone loomed over me. As we stopped for a bite to eat, sitting in the car I noticed in my mirror a vehicle, at that point God spoke to me, give the money you put into your wallet last night. After eating I drove over to the lady and told her “God loved her and wanted her to have this” as I gave her the money she insisted on giving me something. God knew I needed a lift that day and as the lady came back to the car she handed me a BLESSING which I did not expect, 1 1/2 dozen beautiful yellow roses, which usually were sold on the street corner and I received as tears ran down my cheeks. 10 days later, Jesus called home my Beloved.

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  49. Thank you for this reminder. I so believe in God putting us right where we need to be.
    Open my eys Lord, I am ready, willing, and able to be used by you.

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  54. I’m willing and on the lookout!! Thank you, dear, precious Sharon, for your encouraging words that draw us closer to Christ, that help us to hope and believe that help and healing are ours in Christ, even as we are enduring great heartache, pains, sufferings, and trials.

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  55. I love the term “God’s assignments” —makes it seem more official to be on the lookout for His assignments which my husband & I try to do every day.
    Sharon, did you have a devotion on God’s Assignments some time ago? That term and being on the lookout daily has been such a blessing to us. Thank you!!

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  60. Sharon, I am a grandmother that has had full custody of my granddaughter for 4.5 years. I don’t know if you are in touch with the grandmother you met, but if so, please pass along these resources::
    – reach out to WIC for food vouchers and formula help.
    -look up the Area Agency of Aging. ,affiliated with your county courthouse, as they help caregivers if they are 55 or older with some of the expenses for raising grandchildren. They help with daycare, extracurricular fees, etc.
    – there are online Facebook groups. Such as G,A.P.S. ( grandparents as parents) and others which will provide a forum for gaining help and understanding.
    There are an estimated 3 million Grandfamilies in this position, primarily due to the opioid crisis. You may pass along my name and email to this grandparent, as it might help to talk to another person in her shoes. I can attest, God has provided all of the resources I needed for this child. From a car seat, stroller to an abundance of hand-me-downs! He is faithful!

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  63. I’m willing and on the lookout. Thank you Sharon, God has spoken me through you..always. May God continue equipping you for His glory.

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  64. I’m willing and on the lookout. I’m going to write it out as a reminder for every day! Thank you so very much for your story and encouragement!

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  65. I’m willing and on the lookout! It is when we are not focusing on ourselves and the “to do” list, that God can show us how to care for others. We need to be Jesus to others who are searching for a purpose and life or have burdens that are overwhelming. Thank you for directing us to see the needs of others and minister accordingly.

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  68. So this email was timely. Im a nursing student I went home for two days and I had to wash my uniform and a class for an upcoming exam I have. The class is rather important as Im not sure what I’ll be doing on that exam. But my cousin asked me to follow her to the clinic but we ended up at the hospital and it’s usually a long day thing in my country so it means I may not get to go home and wash my uniform which may affect me going to the hospital the next day. But I really need the practice and I was asking the Lord what was happening. Im a little tired but today I ask the Lord to give me the patience I need as well as to see this as divine appointment. And that he some how helps me with this upcoming exam as well as he help me with going back to school tmrw. I will have to leave from 3am to reach by 6am to go to the hospital by 7am. I HONESTLY anticipate being tired but I pray he will give me the strength I need. In Jesus name I pray amen. I pray for favor and that the baby’s body systems will work how they ought to work in Jesus name. I pray that no weapon formed against him will prosper in Jesus name amen and every tongue that rise up against him will be condemned.

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  70. I’m willing and on the lookout out! Thank you for sharing this testimony. Because of symptoms of ADHD,
    to-do lists help me structure my day, but God’s interruptions are worth me being off task.

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  71. I’m willing and on the lookout! Love your devotions and stories and adventures! They always lift my spirits and help me keep focused on what is really important!

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  77. Thank you for the devotionals, for the insights you share.

    Though I have been a believer for over 50 yrs I have not always been obedient, But God has been faithful full of grace and mercy.
    My husband left the marriage & our daughter 40 yrs ago but the Lord has been my Shepherd and we were never “in want”.
    Two stories that came to mind if you will bear with me – going through breast cancer treatments 23 yrs ago I needed to be put on injections not covered by our government/provincial health plan (I’m in Ontario, Canada), and my company health insurance only covered 70%. I often received calls from my church about a gift they had for me – which was always financial; these gifts covered the out-of-pocket shortfall in the cost of the injections that went on for 7 months. How I praised God for His provision.
    Years later, when I needed expensive car repairs ($500), I was unsure where the money would come from but I knew my mechanic would do what he could to help me. When I went to pick up the car, I was told the repairs had already been paid in full. My benefactor wanted to be anonymous, but my mechanic’s brother told me who’d paid – it was a co-worker/sister in Christ, a very gracious, humble woman.

    I pray the Lord will give me eyes to see where I can pass the riches of His blessings unto me onto others.

    Thank you

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  80. I’m willing and on the lookout. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear. Praise God for all He is doing.

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  84. This is a beautiful quote by C.S. Lewis that I thought was awesome.

    “To have been born in God’s thought and then made by God is the dearest, grandest,and most precious thing ever”

    And that we are able to help others and to serve Him for the rest of our lives.

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  85. Talk about divine timing. Yesterday afternoon I paid for a lady’s groceries because her card didn’t go through. I know how embarrassed I’ve felt when that has happened to me and I didn’t want her feeling bad. I came to stand behind her because a store clerk came up to me and redirected me to that lane. God placed us in each other’s path. He knows how much I love divine appointments.

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  86. I was headed to our boat at the marina, having missed my ride, I was on foot. At the marina, a woman was at the picnic across the decking from me. As I headed to the ramp I could hear her; I wasn’t sure if she was laughing or crying. As I reached the top of the ramp, I could tell she was sobbing. I listened to the “go to her” message God sent. Yes, it disrupted my plans and those of my husband, but the results will stay with me forever. We spent over an hour talking about her despair. I have been suicidal so I could talk about the joyful results of not doing it. II had a Pray necklace on and just unhooked and gave it to her. I put her in contact with a local church. Sadly they did not reach out. But God did, through me. I had an extra copy of Jesus Is Calling” and I gave it to her. We talked about those devotionals almost daily. She and I walked together for months, until her situation was resolved through God’s intervention. Now, 4 years later I no longer even remember her name. She no longer needs me so the job God handed me is finished. I am not sure which of us received the greater gift.

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    2. Super beautiful! I love how GOD works everything out for good for those who are called according to His purpose. ❤️☺️🙏💕😘

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