The other day, I was a guest author at a gift store in a tourist town. It was a beautiful sunny Saturday, just one week before Easter. My books had been masterfully displayed near the entrance door with Easter decorations, posters, and lovely gift shop items appealing to all who enter the store.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a girl approaching the shop entrance with her family close behind. I saw her pause at the door as she caught sight of my book. The book was propped up making the title, What is God’s Plan for Me? visible from where the child stood. She gasped and ran straight for my book gripping it in her hands. “Mommy, look at this book!” She yelled over her shoulder to her mom rushing to catch up. “I need this book!” the child said as her mother leaned over her to see what her daughter was holding.
At this point, I said a warm greeting and introduced myself as the book’s author. The child was still holding the book in her two hands, staring at the cover. Her mother turned her head and said to me, “Our family doesn’t go to church and we don’t know much about God, but our daughter has been asking about God.” I knew instantly this was a divine appointment. I gently knelt down and shared with the nine-year-old girl and her mother the different elements in my book. The child was ecstatic. Pangs of joy and conviction pierced me. Where has that child-like faith gone in my heart? Do I still celebrate the joy of discovering Jesus? I wrote a personal message and signed a book for the little girl and her younger sibling. When I handed it to her, she held it like a treasure and hugged it to her chest.
My eyes welled up with Spirit tears as I watched in amazement this sweet child whom God was calling, walk out of the store with my book to her chest, a book that could help answer her tender questions about God. It was a divine appointment that left me worshiping the One who calls us all to Him.
God is moving! I am seeing first-hand that God is calling people. Are you noticing the same thing in your sphere of influence? There is no doubt God is moving in the lives and hearts of children and adults. Have you been privileged to witness His divine appointments lately? I would love to hear your story so that we can worship Him together!
This is the most encouraging Easter story as we enter the Easter week. I was just ready about the triumphant entry and would say you had your moment of entry.
Writing through my tears of joy for you Diane. God renewed our passion for him when we were young together and you are living it out strong.
You go girl for Jesus!!!
The creativity of art, nature, your kids and pets, the intertwined message of God and your passion in your book speaks of the amazing God we serve. Your book is living and an active presentation of God.
May many come to Jesus through this book and live and serve Him.
Thank you for the encouraging reply! I remember fondly the point in our youth where God was calling us! It’s so amazing to see Him calling other children just like he did us!
God is sovereign and He is accomplishing His plan right before our eyes. Praise His Name!
What an inspiring story! Isn’t it great how our Lord does things? Will pray for that family that they can all find the joy of Jesus
Thank you, Donna! Prayer makes all the difference!