September 25, 2025 God’s Providence

Thursday, September 25, 2025 

God’s Providence 

In their hearts humans plan their course,  but the Lord establishes their steps.  
Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) 

I went to share my story. God had a bigger one unfolding. 

When I accepted an invitation to speak at Christian Women’s Connection, I thought my purpose was clear: share my faith story, encourage hearts, and then head home. 

But God was at work doing more. He had gone ahead of me, working behind the scenes and in the hearts of women in that room. 

That day, I met Terri, a 20-year Air Force veteran who recently moved to Prosper and was searching for meaningful connections. I invited her to learn Mahjongg with two other friends the following Thursday. A simple gesture, but one that created a bridge…and her coming to our Methodist Women’s Fellowship to keep alive the story of the Battalion Six Triple Eight’s overcoming and resilience in World War II. 

Then there was Cheryl. She had invited a friend, one heartbroken after divorce. Cheryl rushed up to me waving one of the books I brought, From Brokenness to Wholeness, in her hand. “It’s the exact encouragement my friend needs,” she said. 

Mary, came at my invitation. Once there, she realized she knew two other women in attendance. New threads in a divine web God was quietly weaving. 

I thought I was going to offer encouragement. But God sent me there to receive it, too. He reminded me that while I may be called to speak or write in this season, more importantly, I am called to connect, to be in relationship with others for His glory. And in those divine appointments, His purpose will always unfold in ways I may not have seen or expected. 

I remembered a quote from Pastor Alistair Begg: 

“As you drive to the same workplace each day, or perform the same tasks, surrounded by the same people, recognize this: in it all, God is working out His purposes in your life..[and theirs]. You will be able to look back and recognize that the situations which were apparently arbitrary or commonplace were in fact part of God’s loving direction of your way.”* 

I don’t know all the connections made at that one luncheon or where new connections may lead, if any further than that moment. But I do know this: God is at work in every moment. And when we say “yes,” He shows up, creating something greater than we could ever script. 

Reflect: When have you seen God at work in ways that surprised you? How can you stay alert to the quiet ways God is weaving your story? 

As you move through your day, try pausing three times—morning, noon, and evening—and ask, "Lord, where are You at work right now, and how can I join You?" The smallest interaction may hold eternal weight. 

Pray: Lord, thank You for always being at work. Thank You for the providential connections, quiet nudges, and unexpected moments that remind me Your hand is guiding my way. Open my eyes to the people and opportunities You place around me today. Use my words, my presence, and even my small steps of obedience to reflect Your love. Keep me attentive to Your promptings and invitations, available, and full of faith that You are writing a greater story than I can ever imagine. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

*Alistair Begg , Searching for Lost Donkeys, Truth for Life, 7/15/2025 . 

By His Grace,
Gloria Ashby
Lay Leader