In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps – Proverbs 16:9
By Aaron E. Ziebarth
During our final week of camp I took some of our summer staff on a weekly outing – hiking followed by ice cream at McDonalds. We had been on the road for about 15 minutes when the RPMs dropped instantly. We slowed to a stop as I pulled the bus over to the side of the road. I got out of my seat to look at the accelerator and assessed the problem. The plastic insert holding the throttle cable in place had broken.
Our summer maintenance assistant quickly asked if there was any way he could help. I asked him if he had a pliers. He was pleased to share that he had a multi-tool with a set of pliers. It was just what was needed.
He was able to hold the pliers in place while I drove to our destination. We arrived and hiked to an ending spot. While there staff began to share Scripture they had memorized, one after the other. It was a powerful time of hearing these college students share how God had spoken into their lives through His Word over the past several months.
After some time we left to enjoy ice cream together only to find our intended location had closed early. We headed to a local McDonalds which we’ve visited many times during these outings.
As the staff waited for their orders to be filled, they wanted to sing. I asked the manager if it was OK and she gave her approval. After the orders were filled and most staff had moved outside, the manager asked if she could speak with me. She knows Joy El well. Her son attended camp many times as a child and was the recipient of campership funds. She shared that she had not been plugged into a church for some time but had saved her tithe. She had misplaced it, but it was recently found. She had been praying that God would show her where to give it. When we arrived she knew where it was to go: Joy El’s campership fund.
I firmly believe that God ordained this whole evening – from the bus issue, to a slight change in our hike time, to the change in location for our ice cream. He knew the outcome and the impact this evening would have on all involved. He just asked that we be obedient to His leading.
I remain thankful for God’s leading, moment by moment. May we hear that still, small, quiet voice and respond.
