Fortuitous Events or Divine Appointments?
Dodge Community Church rebuilding could start as early as this spring! Praise God!
This Sunday I planned to drop in on the folks at Dodge Community Church. But I forgot they switched their service time to 9:45 AM. (Fortunately, no one was expecting us to be there!) By the time Caroline and I arrived and discovered my error, we had just enough time to snap a picture of their new construction sign and then quickly drive a bit north to visit our friends at Garfield Community Church.
It seems the Lord intended that change of plans, because – when we arrived – we found Pastor Michael Olivares was speaking from John 5. He helped us consider possible causes and divine reasons for some illness and tragedy. It was an encouraging message reminding us that God is in control even over disabilities He may choose not to heal, and may have a cosmic purpose for those difficulties, even if we cannot see that purpose in our limited vision.
Pastor Olivares had already planned to mention our granddaughter Autumn Grace in his message as an example of seemingly inexplicable “uncaused” infirmity (Autumn has Down Syndrome). We rejoiced with the Garfield congregation that Autumn had been just released from the hospital Friday following heart surgery, lung troubles and other complications. So the message was particularly impactful for us. None of us knew at the time that Autumn would be returning to the hospital again early Monday morning with more breathing difficulty. But God knew, and I believe He used the sudden redirection of our Sunday schedule to remind us He is always in control and working all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Here some more divine appointments for some of you this week:
NWXNW Fellowship Tuesday, Feb 15, 9-11 AM @ Hudson Park Bible Church
InFaith Pastors’ Monthly Breakfast Wednesday, Feb 16, 9 AM @ Tollgate Inn, Sandy
InFaith Pastors’ Monthly Prayer Thursday, Feb 17, 10 AM @ Woodland Park Chapel
May God’s unfathomable love work His purposes in your lives today and every day!
Tom Hiscox, NW Oregon Area Missionary thiscox@infaith.org
Pastor Michael Olivares and family encourage Garfield Community Church near Estacada.
Autumn Grace was released from the hospital Friday, but had to go back Monday morning with breathing problems. She may be sent home again this week to await yet another surgery.