Behind
the Scenes
(Act One)
By Karen D’Amore
“This vision is for
a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow
in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be
delayed.”
Habakkuk
2:3 (NLT)
Serving
on the Women’s Ministry Special Events team, I’m privileged to help plan the women’s
special events for our church. To insure my availability for events, I block-off
my work schedule nearly a year in advance. As our team was planning our spring
retreat, I eagerly anticipated aspects I’d envisioned and be facilitating.
Several months prior to the retreat, we found and booked our retreat speaker.
When her availability dictated a change in the retreat date, every team member
was onboard with the date change except me! Though
three months away, I was actually 100% booked for work. Barring an emergency, salon
policy would prohibit cancelling or moving those appointments.
Sensitive
to my heart and time I’d already invested, our team leader asked me privately
how I felt about my inability to participate. I responded, “It’s not my
event…its God’s. The circumstances are no surprise to Him so I will trust in
His will and plan.” At our next team meeting, I committed to help with the
pre-planning, though saddened by my inability to participate in the event
itself.
Believing
God had directed me to facilitate a hands-on activity at the retreat, I was
confused by this emerging schedule snafu but I chose to rest in His unseen
plan. I put a block on my work schedule prohibiting new appointments from booking
in, should any of the existing appointments possibly cancel.
As
the retreat date drew closer, I’d periodically check my work schedule for
changes. Over the course of two months, several appointments rescheduled. Two
weeks prior to the retreat date, my work schedule was 100% clear. With each
client randomly rescheduling on her own, I was granted the day off. My retreat
visions were revived and my participation in the actual day was reinstated!
As
the hindsight curtain opened, God’s work behind the scenes was exposed. His
fingerprints became visible in the clearing of my work schedule. Aside from the
retreat activities I’d facilitate, He revealed a much greater purpose for my presence.
And it was His masterful intercession, which served as a priceless source of
encouragement. God’s protective presence would be vital in an unseen, forthcoming
heartache.
Stay
tuned: Act Two... from Behind the Scenes, God the Protector emerges center
stage!
GOING DEEPER:
1.
Memorize 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV), “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
2.
How does God’s Word speak into your circumstances right now?
FURTHER READING:
Married
to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at
Craig Berns Salon and Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility. She’s
on the Oakwood Women’s Ministry Special Events planning team.
