Encountering an extraordinary God in ordinary life
Issue # 248 September 02, 2001
Blessings in disguise

God has a strange sense of humour. Strange in the sense that you often don’t laugh about it until the event is over.

Yesterday is a case in point. I’m still not to the point where I can laugh about it, but it was a day filled with challenge that God uses to remind me of a vital truth.

Today’s Gleanings is late as a result of yesterday.

Six weeks ago, we booked a mover to bring our things from the old house to our new one. Last week, I confirmed the move. Yesterday at 8:30 a.m. the mover called and said they were about to dispatch a truck.

The mover's shop is about a 15 minute drive from our home, but they charge a minimum for travel time, so when they were late I assumed they were using that minimum time to gather supplies, grab a coffee and prepare for the day.

I called at 10:30 to find out where the movers were. Truck problems, I was told, they’ll be there shortly. 1:00 p.m. no movers.

The local dispatcher had gone home for the weekend and the fill-in knew nothing about moving us.

I spend until 6:00 p.m. arguing and pleading with the movers. The bottom line was our things are still at the old house and we fired the movers. A different firm is to come on Tuesday.

The more I dealt with the moving company staff, the angrier I got at their incompetence and indifference. I must confess to not being in a very loving, forgiving humor by day’s end.

I was about as angry as I have been at anyone in a long time.

So where’s the spiritual lesson?

I stopped to say grace before we ate. God reminded me of a verse

"You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect Matthew 5:43-48 NIV

Reluctantly, as I offered thanks for the meal, I asked for forgiveness about my anger and prayed a blessing for those I viewed as my enemy for the day.

As the words came out of my mouth, my heart began to soften, and my anger started to subside. Our prayers offered to God on behalf of our enemies are designed to help US get our hearts right towards them in God’s eyes.

Am I over my anger and to the point of laughter yet? No, but I’m a lot closer.

Until next time, remember to take your enemies before the Lord and ask Him to bless them. You’ll be blessed in return.

God bless.

Kevin