Good morning…

A few months back I agreed to facilitate a Sunday school class at a large, local church this morning. I have loved teaching this class in the past and was looking forward to collaboratively learning with this great group again. Earlier in the week, I had exchanged emails with the organizer, sharing the topic, finalizing the details, confirming our commitment. Everything was set.

Then a few days ago, in the midst of my early morning prayer time, a new revelation dawned on me. Both of our college students would be home for the Thanksgiving holiday, and I sensed God nudging me to change my plans and worship as a family at our home church on Sunday.

What was I to do?

  1. I could save face and stick with my promise to teach Sunday school, meeting up with my family for lunch after going to separate churches.
  2. I could heed God’s new nudge to worship as a family, facing the embarrassment of backing out of my commitment, letting other people down.
  3. As I prayerfully pondering my dilemma, the Spirit creatively sparked a third option (a common tactic of God’s out-of-the-box Spirit).

I felt led to craft an email to four of my friends who attend this nearby church, who are also gifted teachers. I told them truthfully about me sensing the Spirit shifting my priorities at the eleventh hour. Wondering if any of them might be willing to teach in my stead, I told them that if none were available to substitute teach, then I would honor my commitment to the Sunday school class.

One loyal friend quickly replied, “I will be happy to teach for you, Sue.” So I reached out to the class organizer, sharing the story of God’s change of plans, telling her the name of the new facilitator. I smiled when she replied, “That’s awesome. He is one of our classes’ favorite teachers.”

As God nudges us each in new ways today, I trust that life-giving blessings will abound for all.

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen to God’s voice wherever you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track (Proverbs 3:5-6, MSG).

…Sue…