Inconvenienced Experiences , Intimate Encounters
Anytime I go on vacation, I love planning moments to study God’s Word in nature. Whether it’s a quiet corner of a resort or a breezy beachside view, there’s something sacred about meeting with God outdoors. On my most recent trip, we had a beach day scheduled, and I knew exactly what I wanted to do that morning—sit by the waves, open my Bible, and spend time in His presence.
I found my spot, set up my chair, opened my journal, and began writing and reading. Not long into my quiet time, a woman nearby was setting up her space for her family. She paused and asked, “Am I too close?” I smiled and told her she wasn’t. We exchanged a few more words, and a conversation naturally unfolded.
Now, I’ll be honest. A younger version of me would’ve been annoyed. I might’ve viewed this as an interruption to my “God time.” But I’ve had enough of these moments to know: these are not inconveniences—they’re intimate encounters.
As we talked, she began to open up. She shared how this trip was their last vacation as a family. Her voice trembled, and soon tears were falling—right there on a beautiful beach, under the warm sun, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. And yet, amidst all that beauty, her heart was breaking.
She spoke of how the people closest to her didn’t have the capacity to carry her in her lowest moments. I gently asked if she read the Bible. She said no. Though she had been close to another religion, she wasn't actively practicing anything now.
It became clear to me: this was not a coincidence. This moment wasn’t about finishing my reading plan or checking off a spiritual box. It was about being the hands and feet of Jesus—right there, in real time.
I walked over to her and offered words of comfort. I used the waves before us as a visual. “See how the waves crash, one after the other?” I said. “But if you pay attention, there’s always a pause in between. That pause is like a breath—a moment of grace—before the next wave. Life is like that. The waves don’t stop, whether it's day or night. But over time, we learn how to walk on what once tried to drown us.”
Her tears stopped. A smile began to form.
When I walked away from that moment, I didn’t feel like I had missed something. I felt like I had gained something—a deeper understanding of purpose. I strolled along the shore, the sun warming my face, whispering thank-you prayers to God for the opportunity to connect in such a sacred way.
I was especially thankful for growth. The old me might’ve missed that encounter completely, too focused on the plan to see the purpose. But maturity has taught me something important: these aren't inconveniences—they are divine, intimate encounters.
Prepare: The duality of preparation, God prepares moments for us to reflect him on earth. He also prepares and equips us for those moments. Those moments are not according to what’s convenient for us- those moments are to reflect Christ most intimately.
Position: After the preparation, there is a time of positioning and pay attention to when these encounters happen and where, that way you aren’t surprised or taken aback and find yourself missing the moment but maximizing the moment as you are reflecting God
Personal: When we prepare, God positions we get personal. We can’t be afraid to be vulnerable and share the hope that there is victory to come.
Perspective:
Just because people are vacationing doesn’t mean the vacation is rooted in victory
Sometimes these so called inconveniences are invitations to intimate encounters
Intimate encounters are to bring intimacy horizontally with your fellow human beings and vertically with God
Speak to people at their level of understanding and comprehension, don’t talk to them, talk with people- be present
Jesus spoke in parables, we can do the same
"Faith prepares us for the unknown, positions us in uncomfortable places, becomes personal in our private moments, and transforms our perspective on what we once called foreign."
