A person may have many ideas concerning God’s plan for his life, but only the designs of God’s purpose will succeed in the end. Proverbs 19:21 TPT

Again I’m blown away by the plans God has for me and how many times I’ve seen Him answer prayers. I can look back over my past and tell you stories that would blow your mind. I’m sure you have seen the same things. I’d love to hear about them!

This morning I’ll share something very recent in hopes you’ll be encouraged. Many of you are aware that I rent a room on and off a commonly used site. I’ve been doing it for over two years and have met some pretty amazing people. Some of them have remained a part of our lives and visit often. It’s such a blessing!

About a week ago, I had a woman book with me for a week. She happened to arrive on the evening we were hosting our church’s connect group so I reached out to her, giving her a heads up that we would probably be having about 10 people there and she was welcome to join us. She responded that she had previous plans, but would never be scared away by a church event. Well, that was positive.

I briefly was able to welcome her to our home that evening and as we spoke, I instantly liked her. I don’t normally do this, but was overcome with the urge to hug her, so I did, and she hugged me back. The next day, I went to work thinking, I really like her. She’s my kind of people and I couldn’t wait to get to know a little bit about her.

So the next evening, I was able to talk with her a little bit more and asked a little more about her. She mentioned she worked for a landscaper and at one time, had her own small landscaping business. She said she noticed we were working on the small courtyard attached to her room and would love to help us, stating she loved doing things like that.

What she didn’t know was this; I had a vision when we first bought the house of taking out the window and putting in a door going out into the side yard. I wanted to fence it in, put in pavers and lights to create a tropical retreat for our guests. Well, I had saved up the money, had the doors done and the fencing done, all that remained was the pavers.

Due to an unexpected surgery 6 weeks earlier, I couldn’t lift anything at all, so I was very frustrated that I couldn’t finish the project that was so close to completion. I was able to hang the lights, spray painted the small table and chairs and cleaned up the area. I even had a friend donate a good share of the pavers, but I could only look at them and wonder who I could get to come and finish it for me. I was willing to pay, but I couldn’t find anyone who knew how and I didn’t want to spend $1000 on a landscaper to do it.

I remember saying, “Lord, you’re going to have to work this out. I don’t want to be frustrated anymore.”

For 3 free nights, she’s finished my courtyard for me. I cried. Especially when I realized just what God did to arrange this. She’d just recently sold her house and needed a place to stay until she could find a place to rent. When I told her our steps are ordered by the Lord and He delights in the plans He has for us, she said her daughter had just told her the same thing.

I told her my story and that she was an answered prayer, a gift from God, she cried. We never know who God will send or the purpose for their visit, but we’re alway prepared to open our home and hearts, to encourage and be ready to build friendships and love as Jesus does.

I know this is a long story, but thanks for reading it. God still has plans and we’re right in the middle of it.

Don’t ever assume to know!

Sandy G