NO APPOINTMENT
The king was talking with Gehazi . . . the woman appealed to the king . . . this is the woman . . .
2 Kings 8:1-6
Read the Bible passage in full before reading these comments. Our all-wise, all-powerful Father in heaven is the best Appointment Arranger. Did Elisha’s servant and the woman who appealed to the king “just happen” to be before him at the same time? God is never surprised, and His timing is never accidental.
Another missionary and I traveled to Chad where our Conservative Brethren had been trying in vain to receive their etat-civile (government recognition of the Conservative Grace Brethren Churches). We Americans had only a few days to meet the government official who could grant that recognition. If approved, the Brethren could meet openly for worship and form a Fellowship of Churches. We had no appointment, but we repeatedly went to the building where his office was located. Each time we were told to come back later. Yet “later” never resulted in a meeting.
Then someone told us where the minister lived. We prayed that he might see us after hours. I stepped out of the pickup truck in front of his house. Even though he was a high official, there were no working streetlights. My foot went much lower than expected and sank into a concrete sewer. What was intended as a storm sewer is also used as a sanitary sewer in Chad.
Someone with access to the minister ran into the house and told him that a white man had stepped into the sewer. The minister came out personally to see what happened. He led me into his home, removed my shoe and sock, and began washing my foot and leg! He also made sure someone washed my shoe and sock.
That stinky situation became an open door. He served refreshments and listened carefully to why we needed to see him—without any “You have ten minutes” rush.
A couple months later, ladies from the church sang Christmas carols at his home. He asked who they were and then told them he was granting the recognition they had sought for months. Praise the Lord—right time, right place. He arranged the appointments.
Les Vnasdale