Last week, my daughter and I attended a conference in Orlando called “YOU Lead.” The conference was great, and for the first time in a long time, I was able to sit and soak in the presence of God. Those of you who have been to a leadership conference will know what I mean when I say by the end of day two my brain was on overload. Another reason we decided to go to Orlando was we have some very special friends, Mila and Courtney, who moved to Orlando. This was a great opportunity to see them and catch up. We were also celebrating my daughter’s thirtieth birthday, a little late but so what? We love to road trip together. The ability to attend the conference followed by a Living Proof Live event with Beth Moore was just icing on the cake.
However, God had far more amazing plans than we knew. On the second day of YOU Lead, we decided for various reasons not to go to the planned networking luncheon. We ended up at a barbecue restaurant called 4 Rivers. (Check out this place!) As we were standing in line, Mila’s friend Faith came up to say hello and shared Beth Moore was meeting her for lunch. Faith is twenty-three years old and was the prayer coordinator for the Orlando event. Faith’s name matches her heart and sweet spirit. The next thing I saw was Beth hugging Faith, who then introduced each of us to Beth.
It was such a blessing to meet Beth and share a few minutes with her. We thought Faith and Beth would go and sit privately for their lunch, but we were invited to eat with them. What an honor and blessing to spend such precious time with Beth. She truly is as gracious and kind in person as we see her on the stage. We all had time to share conversation, ask questions and talk about the Lord.
Here comes the mic drop! Weeks ago I had written to Living Proof Ministries on behalf of my daughter Ali although she knew nothing about it until I received a letter back from LPM. The reason I wrote to LPM was that Ali memorized the complete book of James as a result of Beth Moore’s Bible study on James. I asked if Ali could recite the book of James for Beth. They replied that unfortunately, Beth would be unable to meet with Ali due to the time constraints of her schedule. I knew it was taking a shot in the dark, but the worst that could happen was she wouldn’t be able to do it. While we were standing in line, I shared with Beth how I had written her team about it. We both agreed it is God who orchestrates such divine appointments.
God had a plan. Some would call it a random meeting, but I know God cares about every detail of our lives. Sometimes, when we think the answer is “No,” God says, “Yes.” He has the last word about everything. This is something I always knew, but it was a great reminder.
Has there ever been something you wanted to do and thought the answer would certainly be “No” only to find out it was “Yes”? I don’t know why I was shocked, but I was. Maybe, because I needed to be reminded the God of the universe cares just as much about the small things as He does the big things. I love when God blows my mind with His goodness.
In what ways has God blown your mind with His goodness? We need to share these moments to encourage and remind each other no matter what state you are in, where you are or what you are doing God hears you even if it seems like a simple thing.
The exciting thing about God is His goodness and love for each of us will last for eternity. This proves how much He cares about the details of our lives.
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 107:1
Peggy Underwood says
Sheila, Amen! Thanks for the encouragement! You rock!
Love you, Peggy
Sheila Rhodes says
Hi, Peggy!
I think YOU rock! I pray all is going well for the both of you and your family. We miss you! Thanks for your encouragement! Love you, Sheila
Amy Christensen says
Sheila, how very cool! God is the master composer and He knows how to orchestrate our lives in ways we could never imagine. I love Beth Moore’s teaching and how neat that God chose to allow you both to meet her. Thanks for sharing this. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Kristi says
How wonderful!! Yes, even just this week God answered “Yes, daughter” to something I wished could happen but never thought was a possibility! He is such a good Father and provides for us in ways that never cease to amaze.
Toni Ryan says
The one thing I know for sure is Beth was just as blessed as you and Ali were. I have no doubt the enemy of this world was very unhappy when you all got together. Powerhouse God girls praising His Holy Name together! Wow! Yay God!
I am so, so, so happy for you! I know you were probably overflowing with healthy Mama pride when you were able to tell Beth in person that your beautiful daughter had memorized the book of James. So cool!!!
Ali, you rock!!!! Happy 30th! 🙂
Sheila Rhodes says
Hi, Toni!
It was a wonderful opportunity to see God in all of this! I am one proud momma of my girl! I am blessed beyond words with this child of mine. She truly is a gift from God. I know you feel the same about your son and new daughter-in-law too! Thanks for always encouraging!
Sheila Qualls says
Wow! What an adventure. I don’t know why I am always surprised when God does amazing things. I am glad you had fun.
Sheila Rhodes says
Hi, Sheila! It was an adventure we will not forget. The goodness of God can overwhelm you! God does do amazing things which I don’t know why I am shocked either 🙂 Blessings to you!
Jennifer DeFrates says
Wow! What an amazing story! Love when God is in the smallest details of our lives.
Sheila Rhodes says
Hi, Jen! It was amazing and I am so blessed to have been a part of it!
Susan Evans says
How wonderful that you were able to meet Beth Moore in person!
Sheila Rhodes says
Hi, Susan! It was such a blessing for all of us and to be able to sit with her for over and an hour was amazing! It was like meeting my heroine of faith!
Terri says
Beth is an amazing person.
Sheila Rhodes says
Hi, Terri!
Yes, she is an amazing person and exudes the love of Christ!
Lorna Mai / Penny says
How amazing! There’s no way that was a coincidence. God directed your steps and have you your desires which is so encouraging for the rest of us. Thank you for sharing such an incredible opportunity.
Sheila Rhodes says
I agree ….ONLY God can do something so amazing! I call it a Godincidence! I’m still unpacking everything I learned and looking forward to sharing more in the coming weeks! Thank You for reading about my experience!
Andrea says
God is in the midst of even the smallest of details in our lives!
Sheila Rhodes says
Yes, God is and wants to delight His children and I am delighted!
Cathy Metzger says
I love this Sheila! I’m so happy for you.
Sheila Rhodes says
Hi, Cathy!
Thank You Cathy! I’m heading to Sanibel next week and looking forward to seeing more God moments and doing more writing! Blessings to you dear friend and much love!
celeste says
I couldn’t agree more with you title. God is everywhere. 🙂 God is LOVE. <3
Sheila Rhodes says
Hi. Celeste! Yes, God is LOVE and in every second of our lives when we embrace His love. Thanks for your encouragement!