And We Know

Sunny Orlando, Fl
Sunny Orlando

What do we know? And we (I) know that God causes ALL things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

I went to Orlando, Florida, several months ago, no, didn’t see the Mouse. I needed some quiet time. No, I can’t do it at home, too many interruptions, laundry, grass needs cutting, the list goes on and on. Long story short, I booked a ticket to Tampa in 2020. Due to the pandemic the conference was cancelled. The airline notified me I had to use the ticket or forfeit the money. Orlando here I come, no extra money, could even stay in my Timeshare. How cool was that?

I did absolutely nothing, who goes to Orlando, within 6 miles of Downtown Disney and do nothing? I did what I wanted to do, just be quiet and walk around the resort. I went out for meals and bought them back, ate poolside or in my room. No cooking for me, didn’t even use the stove.  I had a wonderful time! All good things must come to an end, at least that’s what they say.

Ahh, back at the airport to return home. Wouldn’t you know it, we sat on the tarmac for two hours awaiting take-off. To add insult to injury, the crew timed out (they couldn’t fly anymore because they exceeded their allotted flight time for the day). Not to mention, a terrible storm was wreaking havoc on the east coast headed north. All the flights were cancelled, and all the nearby hotels were booked. I’m sitting there trying to secure a room, I said, “Lord, I need a place to stay for the night, just a place to lay my head.” Praise the Lord for hearing and answering prayer, I booked a resort and secured a taxi. Checked in at midnight, walked in my room, turned on the light switch, no lights. Okay, had to use my cell phone as a flashlight, that’s all I’m going to say about that. The Lord doesn’t promise accommodations fit for a Queen. He wants us to be available and adaptable.

While at the airport, I remember sharing Romans 8:28 with my mom. When I awoke, I asked the Lord to use me, I knew He had something on His heart. I also knew He didn’t bring me all the way out here for nothing. I went to the Business Center to use the computer; I noticed a young girl sitting in a booth. I used the computer, left, and went for a stroll. I stopped in Walgreens to purchase something to drink and snacks since my flight didn’t leave till 9 pm. I went back to the resort, which was not really a “resort.” LOL (laugh out loud)

The girl was still there, we struck up a conversation. Her name is Kris*, I asked her if she knew Jesus loved her? In a little sheepish voice, she said yes, her mom taught her the song. I was not talking about the song, I said do you really know Jesus loves You?  She said she goes to church on Sunday with her mom. I explained what being “born again” meant. Shared some scriptures in John 3, Nicodemus coming to see Jesus at night and Romans 10:9-10. Told her, it’s as simple as ABC, (A=admitting you’re a sinner, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, B=believe Jesus is the Son of God, and loved us so much that He died for her/all mankind, C=confessing our sins).  She had the B part, but not the A and the C part.  We prayed, I cried, we rejoiced! OMG, (Oh, My Goodness) her whole countenance changed, what a glorious transformation! Then we went to scriptures about the Angels in heaven rejoicing over one sinner coming to the Lord. OMG, her face lit up like a light bulb, she started clapping her hands, she was so happy. I told her this was her new birthday and put it in your phone. I encouraged her to share the good news with her mom. We both agreed everybody should have cake on their birthday, I reached in my Walgreens bag and pulled out a pack of Zingers, three crème filled chocolate cupcakes. She was so surprised; I knew it was the Lord. I wrestled with buying them because I’m on the big girl program, LOL.

Then, she hesitantly asked the strangest question, “Do you think I will grow up to be a bad person?” My heart sank, I just broke down in tears. I realized someone had been speaking awful things to her. I quietly asked the Lord for scriptures, I shared Psalms 139:14, 17-18. All the scriptures I shared with her, she read them aloud for herself. I began to speak life to her, the Lord has good for her, letting her know she can always cry out to the Lord for help. He is always with her; He will never leave or forget her. His thoughts of her are many, she is engraved in the palm of His hands!  Prayed for her and her family, prayed she would walk in beauty, grace, and truth. She liked that; she had the biggest smile. Encouraged her to call upon the Lord, He is her Father, He’s a good Father.

It was true then, and it’s true now,” And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Received a text from the airline, I could change flights without cost. Wouldn’t you know it, I was able to rebook my original flight, which was earlier than 9pm. Grabbed my stuff and off I went. If we take care of God’s business, He will take care of our business.

As the Lord would have it, I shared this with a friend. My friend’s granddaughter’s birthday is also April 1, they’re both 14. The granddaughter of my friend prayed for Kris; I was told it was a lovely sincere prayer.  May the Lord continue to bless and keep her all the days of her life.

Mission Accomplished, another soul added to the Kingdom of God!  Selah

*(Because she is 14, I did not use her real name).