I often reflect on the day God disrupted our mission trip plans to Kenya; I still remember the feeling when we received the news of the canceled trip. God offered us the chance to work in Argentina, a prospect so exciting we said yes. We received many blessings on our journey, but the most profound was witnessing our driver’s conversion to Christianity. Divine interruptions might feel jarring at first, but it’s a call to something better. Have you ever felt God nudging you to go in a different direction and how did you respond?
Divine Interruptions
What are divine interruptions? Divine interruptions are unplanned, course-altering moments orchestrated by God. Maybe it’s the unexpected call from an old friend in trouble just as you’re heading out to run an errand. Or, as you hurry to leave church to get to lunch, when someone stops you to see if you are interested in teaching a Sunday School class. These moments might feel inconvenient but carry deep spiritual significance.
Biblical Examples of Interruptions
When we embrace the change by saying yes, we witness amazing opportunities to take part in the Lord’s work. Look at Moses in Exodus 3. He lived a regular life until God interrupted him with the suggestion of moving away from his home to an unknown land. Even though Moses felt inadequate, he said yes and God’s power worked through him to save the Israelites. Another example comes from Paul in Acts 9 when a complete life turnaround began with a dramatic interruption and a corresponding yes to God. Their obedience led to God’s glory, even with their personal struggle with the changes.
My Experience
We pulled into our driveway and I spotted a note taped to our front door. I realized it was from an acquaintance who owned a restaurant we visited often. The note read, “Please call, I need your help!”, the ink smudged and the paper slightly crumpled. The question, sharp and immediate, pierced my mind: how did she find out where I lived?
A wave of irritation washed over me as I considered crumpling the note into a ball and feigning ignorance of its arrival. But maybe God had a plan, a greater purpose that would reveal itself in due time. When I called the following morning, the weight of her cancer diagnosis and utter helplessness hung heavy in the air; she had no support system.
Aware of my faith, she expressed a sincere desire for prayer, her voice gentle and pleading and with a deep breath, the knot of frustration in my chest loosened and melted away, leaving a sense of calm. During those months, we spent countless hours in heartfelt conversation and prayer, seeking comfort and guidance from God, and I realized God’s purpose in bringing me to this woman’s pain was to walk with her through the dark days. My “yes” to her interruption, despite my initial hesitation, led to a rewarding friendship.
Finding It Hard to Say Yes
A yes to a godly interruption is never easy for us. These situations might take time away from our friend and family. We might feel scared or unprepared for what the Lord is asking us to do. I imagine Moses and Paul both felt that way in the beginning. But we can remember that God equips those he calls and he will provide what we need. We find these truths detailed in several passages in the Bible and I’ve listed them below:
- Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)–“5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
- Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)–“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)– “But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Encouragement to Say Yes
By embracing interruptions, individuals can experience personal growth, learn to trust God’s timing, and expand their capacity to serve others. And by responding to interruptions with a heart of obedience and trust, individuals can become active participants in God’s larger plan for their lives. Here are some practical ways to recognize and respond to God’s nudges and interruptions:
- Stay rooted in prayer.
- Cultivate spiritual awareness (look for God’s hand in daily life).
- Say “yes” in small ways to build trust for bigger leaps.
What might God be inviting you into right now, and how can you respond?
Final Thoughts on Interruptions
Godly interruptions can challenge individuals to step outside of their comfort zones and embrace unexpected paths, leading us to new discoveries. They require a willingness to be open to change, to surrender control, and to trust that God is working in all circumstances. Divine interruptions are a reminder that God is involved in our lives, guiding us, challenging us, and inviting us to take part in his greater purpose. Every “yes” brings us closer to God’s purpose, and the greatest stories of faith start with one small yes.
Prayer to Accept Godly Interruptions
Heavenly Father, thank you for the unexpected moments, the divine interruptions that shift my perspective and guide me toward new possibilities. When I feel disoriented or frustrated by a change in plans, help me trust you are orchestrating a greater good. Open my heart to the potential for growth, learning, and a new purpose that comes with embracing the unexpected. Let me be open to Your leading, even when it leads me away from my comfort zone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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My planned schedule for the week has been interrupted by doctor’s appointments to deal with severe muscle spasms in my back. I’ll have a nerve block tomorrow. Even in my pain, I know God is working through this interruption in my life. 🙂 His plans are always best. Have a blessed day! 🙂
Oh dear Melissa, I will be praying for relief. Back pain is never fun but God has you. Blessings
I love the story of how the restaurant owner called you when she was distressed. That speaks to the witness your spirit brought. We need prayer to discern divine interruptions we’re to heed from demonic ones sent to stop us from the work God’s called us to. I’ve had those too when headed to do His work.
Very true Debbie. We need to discern the work. Blessings
I love this post. A few years ago, I was led to view those annoying interruptions to My day as Holy interruptions. I learned to pause and ask, “What does God have in mind for me today?” After all, they are my days only because He gifts them to me.The shift in paradigm changed my attitude about those unexpected disruptions.
It really does change our attitude when we view them in this way. Thanks Candyce and God bless.
Thank you for this reminder that God interrupts our course sometimes for a better path. I recall having prepared to lead a Bible study at work during the early weeks of our group, God nudged me to change the content somewhat. After the study, I realized the importance of following the lead of the Holy Spirit and that the studies are actually God’s studies. This took the ego out of my leading and led to studies more catered to those who God brought from week to week.
Love it Stephen. It’s important to understand about following God’s lead. I like how it takes us out of the equation. God bless
This might sound silly, but I used to never leave quite enough time in my day. If I had to be somewhere at noon, I’d leave with just enough time to arrive at 11:59 a.m. That always left me in a constant state of rushing. If I did feel a nudge to heed the Spirit, I was always running late so felt I couldn’t heed it without letting someone else down. Now, I generally try to leave 10-15 minutes early for everything, which makes me generally feel more relaxed. If I do encounter something or someone that the Spirit wants me to help or simply talk to, I’m more open to it because I’m not so stressed out and tunnel visioned! I’m making time for divine interruptions just in case they happen. 🙂
We all to live in such a way to be open to the spirit. Thanks Jessica and God bless
I love hearing these divine interruption stories ordained by God himself. My husband always says, “When a willing witness meets a seeking soul, a divine appointment takes place.”
That’s a wonderful saying and so true. Thanks Karen and God bless
Thank you for this wonderful reminder, Yvonne! God is doing things we cannot see or imagine. May we trust His good heart and His good plans! -Melissa McLaughlin
Amen Melissa. We must trust in Him and His planned interruptions. Blessings to you.
Amen Melissa. We must trust in Him and His planned interruptions. Blessings to you.