Interruptions

“Interruptions

Okay, let me be honest about something: I do not like unexpected interruptions. Partly I do not like unexpected interruptions because of how they interfere with my busy "to-do list" day. I also do not like unexpected interruptions because they are … well… unexpected. Yet God often uses those very interruptions to draw me closer to Himself. In that drawing my life is changed.

Luke 19:1-10 tells us about Zacchaeus. I was impressed about what the story tells us about the unexpected interruptions in life. He was certainly interrupted by Jesus' visit to his house. But in that interruption he found a depth of relationship with God which was life-changing. In fact, it changed the whole focus of his life as he went from miser, swindler and thief to a generous, honest giver who honored the God of Abraham by acting like one of his sons. He was better for the interruption which changed his life and eternity.

As you may know, one of my latest unexpected interruptions is the discovery a month ago that my dad has Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. That unexpected interruption has certainly shaken us; we have shed tears and lifted up prayers. In this faith walk we are learning to trust God even when the prospects look dark. Yet God works in all things for good even if we do not immediately understand it all. We are finding that we are walking a little closer to our Lord during these days. He is changing our lives in the process.

Woods Watson