Scripture Reference: Acts 15:36-39 (NKJV)
36 Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” 37 Now Barnabas [a]was determined to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. 39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus […].
One early morning while lying in bed giving God thanks for another beautiful day of life, my spirit saw a vision of a precious baby kitten sitting alone in my backyard. The kitty was adorable with white and brown fur, and large black eyes. I sensed that it was afraid of not knowing where it was. It was trembling and quietly crying. I wondered how this infant kitty got into my backyard, passed the 6-foot-high wooden fences that surround the yard. More importantly, I was wondering where was the kitty’s mother and why was it alone. I suddenly had an urgent leading by The Spirit to go rescue this kitty who needed help. So, I picked the kitty up in the palm of my hands, wrapped a covering around it and began caressing it. The trembling of this beautiful creature of God began to decrease as I comforted it, but more was needed if the baby kitty was to survive. I knew it was probably hungry and needed the Mother’s milk, but I only had cold cow’s milk and I didn’t want to risk harming the kitty by giving it something unnatural. I needed help from the experts so I called the veterinarian. In this vision, God was showing me that He will send “Divine” encounters that will land right in the midst of our busy lives. What shall we do and how shall we respond?
We learn from Scripture that Barnabas was faced with a negative situation with the Apostle Paul regarding John Mark’s ability to work in ministry and the mission field. At the time, Paul could only remember John Mark’s failed past ministry and didn’t want him to continue in the next mission. Barnabas, the encourager, disagreed and was determined to come alongside John Mark to care and mentor him in the ways of God with unconditional love. Later we learn from Scripture that John Mark developed into a godly man and was used by God.
Faith Step: Let’s trust God with those who are “our divine encounters” by taking them along the way straight to Jesus Christ. He’s the expert. He’s God and knows how we are to love and nurture others, making disciples.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for every divine encounter You have prepared for me. Help me respond in love, being willing to make a difference in the lives of others. In Jesus Name. Amen.
© 2018 Evonne Hinson