Doug Encounter

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 14:19

I was part of a God orchestrated encounter last week. The more I grow to trust God, the more I see how much effort He puts into His orchestrations within the symphony of life. God has purpose in every symbol strike, every pluck from the violins, and each note the woodwinds blow.

I was without internet access at home for a few days (enter the strings softly) so I needed to get somewhere to login to check my messages. Due to some strange circumstances, I happened to be on the far side of town (start a soft tympani roll with a light cymbal strike). Thirsty for some tea, I stopped at a local bookstore to accomplish my work and for refreshment (the strings pluck a lively little jig and tympani rolls again.)

Doug was at the counter getting his hot chocolate (the woodwinds begin to add a little drama to the ensemble). He was an older gentleman who had obviously been someone who was used to getting what he wanted.

He was a bit demanding and a tad irritable to the girl behind the counter (the strings pluck even more vigorously). He couldn’t get logged on to the internet and was wanted her to help him. She brushed him aside to help me. I got my tea and found an empty table to set up my mini office (music slows down again and the oboe plays a soothing melody).

I opened up my computer to dive into work, but I couldn’t get logged in either. By this time, Doug had called for the manager so she could help. I decided to work with them to help figure out what was wrong (all instruments join in to bring a joyful feel to the stanza).

It was a quick change and soon Doug was up and running. He thanked me and introduced himself. We exchanged names and he told me he is a retired lawyer (back to the pleasant, lively beat). “Teri, what do you do?” I said, “I’m a writer.”

“Really?” He replied, “What do you write about?” Oh no – that’s the question of doom (the highly dramatic interlude begins). When I say, “I want others to know more about Jesus Christ”, it’s almost a sure bet to shut down the conversation. This time however, it opened the door. Doug wanted to know more about Jesus.

After an hour and a half of talking with Doug about Jesus, I gave him a copy of my book, which by the way, I had found just that morning in a stack of other books (cymbals crash wildly).

We walked out to the parking lot together, and he asked me to pray for a couple of specific things on his behalf (music becomes soft again.) So, I prayed for him right there and then in the parking lot.

After I said, “Amen”, I thought we would be done, but Doug took over and prayed for me. It was a very touching prayer. I was humbled and grateful (the final stanza is a beautiful mix of melody and harmony which brings the crowd to tears).

I walk away from that experience amazed at God and what lengths He will go to in order to show the full extent of His love. Doug certainly felt the love of Christ that day in miraculous ways and so did I. God will orchestrate even the smallest details of our lives if we allow Him too.

I can see God’s idea of the abundant life is one with many, many “Doug encounters.” My prayer is that I remain open for each and every one He wishes to orchestrate in my life (cymbals crash, strings hold one last note bringing this symphony to finale).