Divine Appointments
There are books by the above title, so I did not invent the phrase. But for years the concept has impressed my mind. Divine Appointments are situations or events that are extraordinary and seem to have more meaning or content as we look back & reflect on them. Like there was a plan greater than chance. And D.A.’s can be evil or good.
An example of an apparent evil D.A. is maybe an accident or sickness which blocks an outing. Then we learn that had we gone on the planned trip we would have died in the plane crash. Or something like pathological depression from grief that leads to seeking God for answers. “Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly grief produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10 But apparent evil D.A.s do more than bring folks to repentance & salvation – they also bring perspective & FAITH.
An example of a good D.A. is something that averts an accident or suicide. Maybe someone or something coming along at the right time with the right WORD or genuine help. I had a D.A. in Viet Nam which clearly showed the providence of God and turned out good. I had washed my hands in acid by mistake, then ran for the distant water faucet which was sometimes dry. But that time there was water AND a bar of soap waiting. Soap is exactly what I needed to neutralize the acid burn. That event spoke loudly that Someone was watching over my young life, and able to intervene. (A few other events over there, which could have been fatal were certainly good D.A.’s also). But nearly ALL Divine Appointments echo in the mind and have God’s signature. And they teach us. “the anointing which you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that any one should teach you; as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie, just as it has taught you, abide in him.” 1 John 2:27 Of course, this ref. doesn’t mean avoid the church, it means God’s direct involvement or touch can give profound info to the individual.
A dramatic example of the D.A. in the Old Testament could be Daniel in the den of lions. Daniel 6:6-24 His FAITH & trust in God made ALL the difference, and he surely emerged from that D.A. with MORE faith than before – (along with the king who was duped to have Daniel thrown in there). In the New Testament we can cite the case of Paul the “to be” apostle being stricken with temporary blindness to be instructed by God. Acts 9:1-19 And both of those characters were human like you & me.
The amazing part of the Divine Appointment is the timing. These events come without our knowledge or consent. They just happen & God’s hand is more obvious as we reflect back on them. (See link 70 “The Chaplains”) It’s like God made the appointment for His purpose – without consulting with us, which only makes sense if He is the Big Boss, and Owner of all things. “I form light and create darkness, I make weal and create woe, I am the Lord, who do all these things.” Isaiah 45:7
Look for God’s hand in your life. Some people believe that Divine Appointments happen every day. And if we can see “cage rattling” & apparently evil issues as useful & meant to instruct us, we can benefit from many hardships & disasters of life. The good D.A.’s can reveal God’s presence, and His character. Of course, if we are seeking God, we will naturally see more Divine Appointments in this life. And we should all keep in mind our certain & final D.A., “it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment,”. Hebrews 9:27 This G-note barely scratches the surface of the Divine Appointment. For an in-depth & excellent book on the title above go to Amazon.com/books. Larry Tomczak 1998, ISBN 1-56043-320-5. Choose Jesus, He is Alive. See also “Divine Presence” link 73.
Other interesting titles: www.gospelnotes.org * * F. J. Stone * *
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