"That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power by His Spirit in the inner man." Ephesians 3:16 (NAS)

Last fall I began battling severe fatigue. Normal life activities became a real struggle for me. On top of it all, I had a heavy speaking schedule. Knowing I would need an extra measure of strength, grace and inspiration to keep going, I cried out to God for help.

On my way home to Nashville from Houston, God arranged an unexpected encounter with someone He would use to strengthen and inspire me beyond my wildest dreams.

Waiting for my flight at the Houston airport, I saw a recognizable face sitting directly in front of me. Quickly, I pulled out my cell phone and called my husband. "Guess who is sitting across from me at the airport - Beth Moore!"

"No way!" he replied.

"Way!"

"You should say 'hello,'" he encouraged. Heeding his advice, I made my way over to Beth and introduced myself. It was a great opportunity for me to thank her for her faithful service. She was her usual precious and humble self. After our short conversation, I returned to my seat, looking up occasionally to watch others meet and greet her as well.

A few minutes later, it was time board the plane. I got up, gathered my belongings, and headed for the gate. To my surprise, Beth was boarding the same plane. While standing in line together, she invited me to chat. I knew our conversation would be sweet but short because I had seat 1-A on the plane.

Upon entering the aircraft, I discovered yet another surprise. A frail, old man was sitting in my seat. The flight attendant explained that the man needed special attention and politely asked if I would mind exchanging seats with him.

I have to be honest. Even though I am short, I wanted the extra leg room that came with seat 1-A, but Beth was standing right behind me. Therefore, I put on my "spiritual" hat and replied, "Of course, I'll take his seat."

The flight attendant thanked me for switching seats and gave me my new seat assignment. "You'll be in seat 5-C," she directed. In response to my new seat, Beth added, "Why, Micca, that seat is right next to me."

I could hardly believe it. For over two hours, I had the privilege of visiting with Beth Moore. We talked, mostly about big hair and raising kids. Then, somewhere during our conversation, I heard God whisper, How'd I do? You said you needed some inspiration, didn't you?

How'd You do? I responded from my heart. You did more than I deserve—more than I would have ever thought to ask.

Sometimes what seems like a bad deal, like having to give up your seat, is actually God inviting us to experience Him in some way. God answer my prayer for inspiration and strength. Had I not submitted to the situation, I may have missed it.

I never imagined that asking for some extra inspiration and strength would come in such a wonderful package as Beth—but that's our God! He doesn't respond to our times of weakness by telling us to pull ourselves up by the bootstraps. No! He provides real help. God gives us supernatural strength that comes from the Spirit. Moreover, He can deliver it any way He chooses.

Sometimes God works in small quiet ways. Other times His actions are up there with the parting of the Red Sea. Whatever way God decides to work, experiencing Him always fills us with inner peace and strength for our journey.

Dear Lord, You are my strength for today, tomorrow, and for always. Sometimes You work in ways that leave me no room to doubt Your love and provision. Thank You for those sweet moments and help me to remember them when You require me to walk by faith. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

***

Related Resources:

An Untroubled Heart: Finding Faith that is Stronger than All Your Fears by Micca Campbell

Join Proverbs 31 Ministries on Facebook for more daily encouragement

All I Need is Jesus & a Good Pair of Jeans by Susanna Foth Aughtmon

Visit Micca’s blog – Reflections

Application Steps:

When you ask God for something in prayer, take notice of what happens next. It just might be His answer.

Reflections:

Do You Know Him?

How have you experienced God lately? If you haven't experienced Him, do you know why?

Power Verses:

Psalm 119:28, "My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!" (ESV)

Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (NAS)

© 2010 by Micca Campbell. All rights reserved.