Being in the right place at the right time

Today's blog post is contributed by David Trotta:

“What is it, Lord?” Cornelius asked.  The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.  Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.” (Acts 10:4-6)

Peter’s instructions…

While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.” (Acts 10:19-20)

Both Cornelius and Peter had an encounter with God and each were given their instructions.  They obeyed and the result was a God-ordained meeting where the Holy Spirit showed up, lives were changed and God was praised. (Acts 10:44-46)

Would you like God to speak to you like He did Cornelius and Peter and give you a set of instructions that will lead to you having an active role in God’s purpose and plan being accomplished on the earth?

I think we all would, but there’s a couple steps we need to follow to prepare for such an encounter.

First, we need to position ourselves to hear God by spending time with Him in prayer.  Lots of it.  I don’t think it was a coincidence that both Cornelius and Peter were praying when God spoke and gave them their instructions.

Second, we need to obey.  The divine encounter that followed hinged on both Cornelius and Peter responding to God’s instructions.  Had either decided not to obey, the encounter would not have happened.

God knows the beginning from the end, but He often chooses to unfold His plan little by little. Our responsibility is to be obedient to every step God asks us to take along the way.

The end result will always be being in the right place at the right time to see God’s kingdom advanced on the earth.