Semper Paratus!

This evening I had an epiphany. I know, I say that a lot, but I really like that word. This realization honestly was big enough to merit the elite status of epiphany. Hold on to your hats, seats, or any stray children that may be blown away by this announcement: I think God is OCD.

Before you start screaming sacrilege and get ready to excommunicate me, let me explain.

I've spent the last few hours chatting online with a friend, our usual routine. During the course of the conversation, the discussion turned to the serious subject of my divorce. We had not previously discussed this and he didn't know the details since we've reconnected via Facebook post-divorce.

As I was regaling him with the drama that is my life, I began telling him how things have come together in amazing ways. For instance, even though I made a misinformed decision (I am choosing to stay positive and NOT call it a mistake) that led me to marry someone who lived far away from any of my family, allowing him the opportunity to isolate me, what are the odds that he would live in the next town from 2 of my very best friends in the entire world? God put those friends in my life almost 10 years before I met my ex. Through one of those friends, God introduced me to my very dear friends who pastor and counsel. When I was trying to hold things together, they were there to offer counseling, prayer, strength, wisdom....anything I needed.

This was the first time that I had thought of things in this context. While I was typing the words on the screen, I was overwhelmed by the love and peace of God. To think that He is supremely prepared, even for our mistakes, and makes provision for us before we even encounter the situation is an awesome concept. Through this conversation, God brought to life in a new way this verse: "And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 NIV.

Even as I type this story again, it is astonishing to me that God looked down the road and saw where I would be and what I would need and put people in my life TEN YEARS before I needed them, just to make sure that I had what I needed when I needed it. How much does He love us to be that prepared? So, yes, I have decided that God is a little OCD.

Tonight, I am filled with praise and love for my God who prepares our way before us. He does not lead us in paths that He has not already travelled.

He is our El De'ot, the God of knowledge, having perfect knowledge of all things from beginning to end.

He is El Rachum, the God of compassion. He is touched by our pain, our infirmities.

He is El Roi, the God who sees me, even in my affliction.

He is El Shaddai, the all sufficient God.

He is Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord that provides.

He is Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord that heals.

The list of ways that God reveals Himself and His love for us is never ending. We are the apples of His eye, the loves of His life. I don't know about you, but I feel much safer living my life now that I have realized that, no matter how many mistakes I will make - and I will make them - my God already knows what they are and has a bailout plan prepared. Tonight, I go to bed feeling a little less OCD knowing that God already is more prepared than I ever will be.