At one point or another, we can all relate to wrestling with God in the middle of the night. We seek him for reason, purpose, and peace. I think you will enjoy this guest blog post from Michael Wilson, a Harvester Christian deeply invested in one of our ministry partners, Bad Boyz Jail Ministry. Look for themes of joy and purpose and comment below on how God has provided joy in your life no matter the circumstances.
Finding Joy in the Unexpected Ring: A Lesson in Divine Timing
Guest Blog by Michael Wilson
The pre-dawn hours often feel like a battleground. For me, they were a daily struggle, a restless dance of body and mind. The joyless start to my day was a persistent shadow, a stark contrast to the light I longed for. Seeking a shift, I turned to a devotional titled, “Finding Joy Despite Our Circumstances,” hoping to illuminate a path through the darkness.
The devotional presented four pillars of joy: confidence, purpose, the Holy Spirit, and fellowship. That Friday morning, I immersed myself in the first principle, confidence. The questions posed were simple yet profound: “What areas of your life do you feel confident in? And, how does that confidence impact your overall joy?”
My answer was immediate: teaching. After 25 years in the classroom, even seven years into retirement, my confidence in my ability to educate remained unwavering. The devotional then challenged me to consider how to cultivate greater confidence in God’s work in my life, based on that established confidence. My response, penned in my journal, was a tentative, “Perhaps I could get back in the classroom.”
The ink was barely dry when my phone rang. The caller ID revealed the principal of my former school. An invitation to substitute teach for the next few days followed. The timing was nothing short of miraculous, a clear affirmation that God was actively orchestrating my journey.
The following days were a testament to the power of aligning with one’s God-given purpose. Stepping back into the classroom was like returning to a familiar, beloved home. The confidence I held in my teaching ability translated into a tangible sense of joy. The familiar rhythm of the school day, the eager faces of the students, and the satisfaction of imparting knowledge filled a void I hadn’t fully recognized.
Remarkably, the restless mornings ceased. The usual tossing and turning were replaced with a sense of anticipation, a quiet contentment. I realized that my joy wasn’t merely tied to the act of teaching, but to the divine confirmation that I was operating within my purpose. This experience served as a powerful reminder that God’s timing is perfect, often exceeding our wildest expectations. He uses our strengths and passions to guide us, revealing his presence in the most unexpected ways. God is indeed good, all the time, and sometimes, he answers our whispered prayers with a ringing phone.
Michael Wilson is a devoted Christian husband of 37 years and father of two adult children. Upon leaving the classroom after 25 years, Michael volunteers at various ministries/organizations around the area. Michael “sharpens his saw” by creating and building around the house.
