Growing up, my dad had eyes that twinkled. They would positively sparkle when he was exaggerating or telling some far-fetched story. He loved to tell stories that were engaging and entertaining. I guess that's where I learned to wink...he winked at people that he liked and loved. No one else would know that he winked, he winked just at me or someone he was talking to and it made us feel extra special. We had that connection. It was the Father-Son connection and it was a very strong bond. When he passed away 2 years ago from pancreatic cancer, although he was an organ donor, the only organs they could utilize were his eyes. Maybe someday I'll see someone on the street and when they pass by, I'll see a glimpse of my dad again.
My dad would wink at me and make me feel special.
A question started brewing within me, "Does God 'wink' to let his people know he cares?"
I believe he does. Allow me to pontificate.
Jenn and I were recently invited to the Illinois District Council up in Naperville, IL. On Tuesday evening, Jim Cymbala, of the Brooklyn Tabernacle, was the guest speaker. At the conclusion of his message, he invited all 650 pastors and spouses from around Illinois to come down to the altar to pray, worship and submit themselves to God. I was so moved that I ran down to the altar unfortunately leaving Jenn in the dust to fend for herself.
It was a powerful time of praying and surrender. At the end of that prayer time, Pastor Cymbala told all of the guys to turn to a guy next to them and pray for them and likewise for the ladies. I was standing there looking around for someone to pray with when I saw a tall, lanky guy towards my right also looking for someone to pray with. I tapped him on the shoulder and he turned around and we prayed for each other. I asked him how I could pray for him and he said he was church planting in Florida. I laid my hands on him and just poured myself out in prayer for him. It was a powerful time. As I said amen, he looked up at me and asked how he could pray for me. And that's when it happened.
It was one of those moments I'll never forget. It was surreal and zany. It was a huge confirmation. It was a "God wink."
I told him that we were moving to work in college ministry with Chi Alpha. He then asked me which state and I responded Louisiana. He then proceeded to ask me which campus and I said the University of Louisiana. At this, his eyes got real big and slowly he asked "which campus?" and I told him the University of Louisiana - Lafayette. At this, he quietly said, "That's where I graduated from in 2008." ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Out of the 4000 college campuses in the US and the the 650 people at this council and I end up praying with a guy who graduated from the campus where we are being sent?!?!? To say that he prayed for Jenn and I was an understatement. He went crazy in his prayer. Like all up in my business, yelling out to God, prayer. He saw it. I saw it. We sensed the wink of God. When he was done praying, we both yelled amen as tears were streaming down our cheeks. Our conversation about the campus afterwards was a source of joy.
As Jenn and I were moving to Africa last year, we had confirmation after confirmation of God's will. And although we've had a big peace about moving to Louisiana, there hasn't been that confirmation that sealed the deal. We were pressing forward anyways, knowing that God was leading us. To say we've sensed God's confirmation now is needless to say.
God moves in amazing ways. He leads us, he guides us and confirms his will along the way. As we are truly seeking his will, he will show us the path to take.
He winked at me and I kinda liked it.
May you be blessed.
