God's timing is everything. I just received a story from one of the teams on the road who led with that sentiment. They were touring the west side of the country going from one church to the next, when something had come up. Their following week was completely empty of bookings! They had nowhere to go, nowhere to stay, and no idea how they would make it to the church the week after.
It's not the most common thing to happen to a team, but I had experienced that once or twice myself when I would go on the road. Fortunately, They knew to do the same thing my team would do; pray and start looking for doors to open. Almost immediately God answered their prayer. They Found themselves at a VBS, a youth group, and a Children's home where God broke shackles.
At the Children's home, the team was approached by a 14 year old girl who shared her story. She, along with her two sibblings, grew up in Romania where they were mistreated and abused by their father. Escaping from their Dad, they moved to another family member who proved to be just as unhealthy. Finally, they found their grandparents in the U.S. and moved in with them. However, they were unable to care for them and placed them in a children's home. After sharing her story, the 14 year old girl said she was now able to start feeling free from her past.
If it weren't for cancelled bookings, that team wouldn't have been there to speak freedom and hope to the young girl. Instead, they were in the right place at the right time.
Just like our team members, you too can choose to see the opportunity God has given in your situation. You may be in a tough season, but it may have put you in front of people who need Jesus; people that you wouldn't have met unless you were in that place. Colossians 4:5 (NIV) says, "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity."
Challenge yourself this month to see your situation in a different light. Instead of looking at how this affects you negatively, see how this could affect other people postively. Choosing to react through the attitude of Christ could change your whole outlook and maybe even your outcome.
God Bless,
Chris Wineland
NLDC Drama Director