When Life Interruptions Lead to God Opportunities
Life Interruptions.
Do you experience these as often as I do?
With 5 kids in the house, I feel like every moment of my day is filled with them.
From “Mom, can I have something to eat?” to “Mom, can you help me?” and then there is the occasional… “Uh Mom. Don’t get mad, but…”
I’ve come to expect these throughout my day, so when they happen it’s not so much of an irritation.
But what about those times when they are unexpected?
What about those times when we really want to say, “Go away, I need some alone time”?
It’s in that moment, where expectations and interruptions collide, that frustration begins and comfortability ends.
“Sometimes the divine intervention of God means breaking allegiance with what you love.”
― Priscilla Shirer, Life Interrupted
When Life Interruptions Lead to Opportunities
I was sitting in church, trying to unwind from another hectic morning.
Every Sunday seems to be the same; I get up early and end up running late.
I was craving worship with my Father.
As the music began to play, I could literally feel the stress melting away.
My shoulders relaxed, my eyes were closed.
Just as I had begun letting it all go, I felt a tap on my shoulder.
As I looked up I saw my husband motioning to scoot over for a couple of women who had walked in late.
Slightly annoyed, I half smiled, shook my head signaling “No problem” and I begrudgingly scooched over a few seats.
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:9 ESV
As worship ended, we all sat down to hear the message.
Moments later I hear a loud, continual hacking cough from my right.
It was one of the ladies who came in late.
I’d like to say that I saw the hand of God in this situation right away. However, at that very moment all I was seeing was that I was unexpectedly being interrupted, again.
One minute I was comfortable, relaxed and listening to the message and the next I was moving over and being distracted by hacking coughs.
Frustration began to consume me.
Accusation towards this woman, whom I had only had a brief encounter with, flooded my mind.
In the midst of that bash session, I heard a quiet voice whisper, “Are you willing to get uncomfortable?”
I immediately understood the repercussions of the answer.
Was I going to let God bring people into my path at an inconvenient moment?
Would I allow Him to break up my comfortable little world and welcome in those who were hurting, or was I just going to sit around talking about “how much I wanted to make an impact”?
I knew what it would take. I had to count the cost.
[bctt tweet=”When we follow Jesus, we will get interrupted. We will get uncomfortable.” username=”Alisa_Nicaud”]
From that moment on, I barely listened to the message.
I kept wondering about these two interruptions.
Why was she late? What was her story?
Something in me knew this woman was divinely placed in that spot.
My hardened heart was melting for this woman, who I’d resented seconds before.
As my pastor finished up the sermon, he began an invitation to receive Christ.
Now I have to admit, I’m a “peeker”.
I like to see whose raising their hands. Not to be nosy, but because I like to put faces to those raising their hands. I pray and believe with them for a life forever changed by a God who unconditionally loves them and desperately wants to relate to them.
As I looked around, praying for God to draw hearts to Him, I saw a hand shoot up from the corner of my right eye.
It was her, the lady that was late!
I couldn’t believe it. Except that I could.
Isn’t that so God?
By providing those opportunities for interruptions, He was asking me, “Will you make room in your comfortable spot to add one more? Will you help me to bring her into the fold?”
My eyes welled up with tears.
He had reserved that spot for her, long before I arrived that morning. Even with my attitude and frustration, he allowed me to play a small part in that woman’s salvation.
All I had to do was make a little room.
Is there an area where God is asking you to get uncomfortable? Are you allowing Him to interrupt your day, so He can give you glimpses of His glory?
Although these moments of surprise can be annoying, perhaps we can begin seeing them as opportunities. Just maybe, God wants to invite us to see beyond ourselves and enjoy the view from His perspective. When we see life’s interruptions as opportunities, our eyes are opened to see God move in ways we never imagined.
Love this. Thank you for the authenticity in your sharing.
Thanks Tiffany!
I love how God reserves spots for people in our lives in places we least expect. God uses us for his greater good. We are the ambassadors. I love this post so much. Thank you for sharing.
So true Carolina! Thank you!
What a humbling moment that you share so vividly. I so relate to interruptions – I often feel that I chasing down my day and hurdling over obstacles constantly. It can honestly leave me very grumpy. Oswald Chambers calls them “gracious uncertainty.” That in those interruptions, God is still extending grace as He redirects us. We just have to practice responding in kind. So glad that you got to witness someone receiving Christ – I’m a peeker too. 😉 Visiting today from #testimonytuesday.
I love that Tiffany, “gracious uncertainty”. Receiving God’s grace, so helps me to extend grace to others! Thanks for stopping by today. Have a great week!
Ah sweet friend I can so relate. As a mama of 5 too I’ve somewhat become inoculated to the steady presence of interruptions. It’s when he interrupts what I think are God plans/God purpose that “I’M” doing then I get irritated (ie your worship time). I’m like Lord you can interrupt me but don’t interrupt me when I’m doing things with and for you (sounding like a Pharisee here 🙂 Sure enough he interrupted my God plans with baby #6. But I’m holding firm to this truth you write “when we see life’s interruptions as opportunities, our eyes are opened to see God move in ways we never imagined.” Thank you for sharing. Happy to have visited from #raralinkup
Thanks for stopping by Tyra! Sister, I can so relate to that one…. Don’t interrupt while I’m doing your work Lord. You know he’s got an eyebrow raised on that one! (Like seriously?) Congratulations on baby #6! Surely He has a great plan for you and your family!
I chuckle a little when I think of an interrupted life. There are days when I have my agenda planned with a stack of ‘must dos’. Invariably, God takes that list and quickly crosses off a few, rearranges the rest and adds one or two items. I almost look forward to it now. God’s plans are always the best and we have had such great adventures together.
Man makes his plans. God laughs. ~ Yiddish proverb
So true Patty! My plans rarely go the way I think, especially with 5 kids in the house! Flexibility is becoming my new best friend. =) Thanks for stopping by!
Great post! Life interruptions are difficult, it’s in them where I often find the most grace.
Visiting today from Coffee For Your Heart.
XO
Tammy Mashburn
Thanks Tammy! I’m so glad you visited today!
Such a beautiful, authentic and humbling testimony to the power of being interruptible. Even with (or maybe because of?) having a rather constrained life where my wakeful and alert time is limited due to various health challenges, I chafe at being interrupted, especially when I want to write and I want to write now, please! Last week I wrote about being more fully engaged and present to loved ones as well as to God. In finding myself your neighbour at #TellHisStory I sense another Holy Spirit nudge asking me to pay attention. I’m listening, friend. You have succeeded in making me think through the idea of ‘being present’ in a whole new way. Thank you! Blessed to visit here today. 🙂
I’m so glad you stopped by today Joy! I love when God gently confirms things throughout the day! Praying for you this morning and believing God for great things for you in 2016! Thank you for your encouraging words.
I am right in the middle of this truth. Am I willing to be interrupted? Am i willing to be uncomfortable? Love our email talks and appreciate your heart to let me interrupt you 🙂
Me too Carmen! So glad we became friends. That’s been one of my favorite things about Compel, the relationships! Thanks for all your help as well. I can’t wait to see what God does through you this year!!
A good word here, Alisa. Thanks so much. I need to remember this. A lot!
Thanks Debbie, I’m so glad you stopped by!
Hi Alisa! We’re neighbors today @ #livefreeThursday. Boy, am I glad. What a thought-provoking post yours is today. Could our inconvenience put a halt to another receiving His amazing grace? Wow…. It’s not about “me”, it’s all about Him. Good reminder, my friend. Thank you.
So glad you stopped by today Kristi!! Yes, this was definitely one of those humbling experiences for me. I’m so grateful that when I can’t see past myself, the Lord gently draws my attention to Him.
Um…you are writing my prayer lately. Lord, help me see as You see and respond with kindness as You would. Oh, daily dying to self for sure. Happy to find you today from #livefreeThursday.
Me too Lisa! Thanks for visiting!
Alisa, I love when God steps on our toes a little to get our attention! Thank you for this reminder encouragement today! #livefreeThursday
Yes, it is Crystal! Thanks you for stopping by today!
When we see life’s interruptions as opportunities, we see God move in ways we had never expected. I was feeling grumpy and “interrupted” this morning. Praying that God will help me see the interruptions from his perspective. Your words came at just the right time. Thank you.
I’m so glad Rachel! I was feeling interrupted this morning as well. Lord, help us! =)
What a great word! And, I can so relate to you and the interruptions. I feel like my whole week has been one interruption after the other.
The hardest part – getting back on track with what I was doing before the interruption!
Thank you for the reminder to trust God’s timing when He does allow those pesky interruptions to come!
I came over on Grace and Truth, and I’m glad to find your post.
Hope you have a blessed weekend~
Melanie
Thanks for stopping by Melanie! I feel like since I wrote this post, I’ve doubled in interruptions. =) Thanking Jesus, He’s allowing me to see these as opportunities instead of obstacles to what I’m trying to accomplish!
I love this story, it is so beautiful. It made me want to be right there to witness such a miracle of God. Our hearts irritated while He is turning the hearts of others. Thank you so much for sharing this with us at Sitting Among Friends. I hope to see you back next week for more wonderful stories. Have a wonderful week.
Thanks Jaime! It is definitely a moment I won’t soon forget! Thank for providing a place to link up! I’m enjoying connecting with the other women!
Love this! I experienced something similar today. God is using this very post to make sure I don’t forget the lesson he taught me today! Thank you for writing it.
I love when God continues to show me things like that throughout the day! It’s such a beautiful picture of how much He cares for us!
Moments like this are God appointed. They’re lessons for us really. To show us ourselves and to teach us grace. What a patient god He is that he keeps giving us opportunities to get this right. Thanks for being here today. I enjoyed reading your words.
hi alisa:) isn’t it great the way GOD uses distractions and interruptions to enhance our worship? great post!
Thanks for visiting Martha!
Great read! Thank you for reminding us.
I am so glad I found you post on Mama Moments Monday Linkup. I really needed this today.
Thanks for stopping by Tina!
Alisa, what a great post! Haven’t we all been in the very same frame of mind, only to be shown there’s lots more going on around us than meets the eye. That’s so like God! Thanks for this — I love it!
Thanks Teresa!
Ouch! This one steps on my toes. 🙂 I, too, face constant interruptions all day long. As an introvert, I can easily become overwhelmed by this. And while God understands the ins and outs of my personality even better than I do, He also calls me to rise above what is natural, trusting in His strength, His grace, and His Spirit to do the supernatural. Thank you for sharing this encouragement with us at Grace & Truth!
Jennifer, I can relate. I tend to be on the introverted side as well, so I love my quiet time. With 5 kids in the house, those are rare moments that I try to hoard. God is definitely working on me in this area!
This is such a great post. Even after reading it again, it lifts me up! Thank you for sharing at Cisneros Cafe. It is so much appreciated. Thank you for encouraging Teresa on her blog (the one before yours). Have a blessed week.
Thank you so much Carolina! I’m so excited about your new link up! I know you’ll do great!! I look forward to connecting each week!
I love how God uses our every day interruptions to open our eyes to what He’s doing around us. Thank you for sharing at Weekend Whispers. I hope you’ll link up again!
Thanks for hosting Barbie! I look forward to linking up again!
An awesome read Alisa! I have been in that place, annoyed by others. I am learning to extend grace and compassion because I don’t know all the circumstances that another person is living. Look forward to the next blog and thank you for blessing me sista!
So true Kelsey! As much as I want to extend grace, there are times when my flesh gets the best of me! I’m grateful for God’s grace and mercy as I continue to grow in Him. Thanks so much for stopping by!
This is such a beautiful post! How many times have I felt like this?! I love how God speaks to us and changes our hearts. I love that question: Are you willing to get uncomfortable? Not always easy but that’s why we lean on Him. Thank you for sharing this!
Thanks Bree! Our flesh can sometimes get the best of us! But God is good and gracious with us.
Interruptions are God’s appointments, often. It doesn’t mean I don’t grouse about it, however! Great post, friend.
Thanks, Sue! It’s easy to let it ruffle my feathers too!
Alisa,
Boy, can I relate with you on this subject! I am easily offended in those moments where my plan or my solitude is interrupted. I am so guilty of that! Then I think about Jesus and His ministry and all of the time He tried to get away with His Father only to be followed by a crowd of people who needed Him. And He responded with kindness and open arms. Oh! To be like Him. This was a great reminder– thank you for sharing!!
You are so right, Kaitlin. It just shows me my need to spend time with Him. The more I do, the more I become like Him…patient, kind and others focused!
How beautiful, Alisa. I love that you shared with transparency. Often God is up to His good, and we simply need to give room, don’t we. I’d fetch to say that you’re not the only one struggling wtih these thoughts. I certainly have from time to time. Thank God He still uses us. He’s so good.
He most definitely uses our weaknesses for His good. It’s in those moments that He gets all the glory!!
It’s all about perspective, isn’t it? Those wonderful moments where the Lord takes an inconvience and uses it for His glory! Praise the Lord!
Yes, indeed!! It’s amazing how that inconvenience quickly became a beautiful moment when I started to se things from God’s perspective!
I can so relate to this. Sometimes we react wrongly to circumstances before we understand all that God is about to do! Thanks for sharing so transparently!
God bless,
Patty
Yep…. that would be me. Interruptions can annoy me when I’m focusing on the task (or in this case message) at hand. I can be so focused on myself that I forget to see what God is doing.
This is so raw and real. You were able to be vulnerable and open to put into words of struggles with getting uncomfortable. I struggle with this, but I know that I am not alone in feeling or reacting this way. Thank you for letting God open your heart into writing this because it seriously opened my eyes to what I need to work on…being His disciple even when it’s uncomfortable and inconvenient.
Thanks Lianna! This was such an eye opening experience for me. It exposed some selfishness and God’s desire to open my eyes to others. So humbling…in a good way!
Such a great reminder to read this. I have SO been there and can completely relate. It is amazing to me how many people all around us are hurting. All we have to do is look at them the way Jesus does instead of only looking to our own comfort and needs. Great post!
So good, Alisa! I know I’ve been there. Insisting I was going to be indifferent and look the other way because I just didn’t feel like being interrupted! But, oh when God shows up in the midst of our stubbornness! Thank you for the reminder to stay alert to whomever He has set before us!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori