By Sister Tarpley, NDG Religion Editor
“As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things” Ecclesiastes 11:5.
God will often use circumstances in our lives to direct us in making and confirming decisions.
The story is told of a man that launched a magazine designed for Christians in the workplace and he was having lunch with a Christian leader named Larry who headed a ministry that helps men and women apply biblical principles to managing money. During their lunch, he explained to Larry that he had noticed that there were many grassroots workplace ministries cropping up all over the country.
He asked Larry if he was familiar with some of the groups since he had taught a course and wrote a book on operating a business on biblical principles. But Larry said he was not. He then asked, “It would be nice to know what all these groups are doing so we don’t duplicate efforts. Do you think you could invite some of these groups for a roundtable discussion?” Larry told him that he would and he proceeded to invite four main workplace ministries that he had worked with in the past.
He then asked, “It would be nice to know what all these groups are doing so we don’t duplicate efforts. Do you think you could invite some of these groups for a roundtable discussion?” Larry told him that he would and he proceeded to invite four main workplace ministries that he had worked with in the past.
Then something unexpected began to happen. The man began to get requests from the ministries all around the country that had heard about the gathering and they were asking if they could attend the roundtable. By the time the event actually took place, 54 people showed up representing 45 organizations from around the country! Unfortunately, Larry had a last minute conflict and was not able to attend, and he informed me that he would have to host the meeting himself.
That was the birth of Marketplace Leaders, the ministry he now leads full time. He often jokes that God tricked him into starting this ministry because God knows never he would have done that on his own at that time.
God often confirms His direction through circumstances. Be on alert that when God sets up situations that are out of your control – He may be giving you direction through these circumstances.
Dear God, today I lift up all teachers to you. I pray for your anointing upon their lives, their work, their ministry. I pray you will give them wisdom, knowledge, guidance, patience, love, protection, understanding, insight and everything they need to be a positive life-changing influence upon those they teach.
I pray you will keep them safe from all harm and evil. I pray you will bring to their minds the lessons and information they need to teach and the ability and skills to do what is good, right, and best in every situation.
I pray that each one will not see their profession and standing as just a job, but as an opportunity to make a difference in lives and show your love to others.
May they be salt and light in this world. May they rely on your strength and grace each and every day to accomplish that which you would have them do.
Bless them, father, as your servants and children. And may they be a blessing to others with whom they work and teach. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
