Peter, the believer, hears from God. Cornelius, the non-believer, feels God is drawing him. God puts the two of them together, and lives are changed. Cornelius becomes the first Gentile convert to the faith, and brings with him his entourage of family and workers. Because Cornelius responded to God’s call, and Peter responded to God’s call, lives were changed. This is what a person would call a divine appointment.
Divine appointments are what we call specific times where it seems God brings together people for one to help the other in a step of faith. It’s not so much that we schedule them, but that God does. A person with a godly answer to a person who is needing that, right at that moment.
The Bible calls us to be ready, for whatever may come our way. Titus 3:1 tells us, among other things, to “be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good…” 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” And 2 Timothy 4:2 says, “Be prepared in season and out of season.”
But that doesn’t mean we wait around for some miraculous vision to arrive, telling us exactly what to do next. No. Both Cornelius and Peter were in prayer, talking to God, when their directions arrived. It’s not about standing around, watching the sky, waiting for an angel to reveal what’s next. It’s about doing what you should be doing, and allowing God to change the course a little.
The Gospels are full of these “divine appointment” type of interruptions in Jesus’ schedule. Do you remember Jesus’ visit to Zacchaeus’ house, the widow at Nain whose son was healed, and the man let down through the ceiling by his four friends who was both forgiven and healed? Each of these stories involved an “interruption” in Jesus’ plans, yet Jesus chose to listen to the people and look beyond the surface and reach out with God’s grace. Jesus could be interrupted; shouldn’t we be willing to be interrupted also? Do you allow Jesus to interrupt your schedule?
Would you be willing to let Jesus interrupt your day? Would you pray something like, “Lord, I’m willing to do whatever You want. I want to be part of what You want to do today. Holy Spirit, use me to glorify Jesus.” Cornelius listened. Peter listened. Will you listen? (PAT COOK)