"Life Interruptions" or "Divine Interventions"???

I have recently begun another amazing Bible Study with a terrific group of ladies from Temple Baptist Church called "Jonah: Navigating A Life Interrupted" by Priscilla Shirer.  I don't take lightly the beginning of a new study as I am fully aware of the fact that "what I learn - I am responsible for!"  I have known of the story of Jonah and the Big Fish for many years and that the book of Jonah only consists of 4 chapters... so how daunting can this little book be (so I thought)!  I have worked through the first 3 Sessions of a 6 Session book and stand corrected and amazed by just how wrong I was.  My focus has always been on:  a big request - a prophet on the run - a big ship - a big storm - a big body of water - and a big fish.... but in all reality, this book is about none of those... it is about a BIG GOD and HIS BIG PLAN!  The book of Jonah is a beautiful depiction of the great love and mercy that God feels for all people and the lengths to which He will go to lovingly pursue each of us, His children, back into a right relationship with Himself.

There are many different kinds of interruptions in our everyday lives, and it is easy to get frustrated, disheartened, and confused by these unforeseen circumstances.  Every interruption is not negative, every closed door does not mean that we are headed in the wrong direction.  Every delay doesn't mean we are not in the right place or not doing what we are suppose to be doing.  Who knows why interruptions happen or what the reason may be?  We must ask ourselves:  Could this possibly be a "Divine Intervention"?

Realizing that God's delays are always deliberate.  God's plan for our lives, is much greater, than we can even imagine:

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord."  (Isaiah 55:8)

I LOVED THIS WHEN I READ IT:

"God orders our steps and our stops.  There are divine interruptions that God, on purpose, allows into our lives in order to bring about His best plan.  On purpose, God might delay a situation to protect us from an accident; or on purpose, He may close a door because it's not His best.  Sometimes God will allow us to be inconvenienced so we can help someone else in need.  When you live with confidence that the Creator of the Universe is directing your steps, then you will know that every disappointment, every delay, every interruption is orchestrated by the Most High God all for your good.  Even a fall, somehow, someway, God will still use to your advantage.  God's delays are deliberate.  He is in complete control, and He promises that all things are going to work together for your good."  ~Joel Osteen