A couple of years ago I was at a conference for church leaders. I was walking toward one of my sessions when I met up with a familiar face. Have you ever seen someone and thought, “I know I should know this person” but you could not remember their name nor how you know them? This happens to me all the time.
We shared cordial conversation consisting of questions like, “how are you enjoying the conference?” and “tell me where you are from?” It was at that point that things got interesting. As it turns out, the person was from right here in town. At that point, I was really confused. I had assumed the person was there from another church. I finally had to ask, “How do we know each other?” At that point the person said, “I am your pharmacist.”
Then it clicked. I had assumed she was there at the same conference I was attending for church leaders but she was in the same convention center attending a conference for pharmacists!
The point to this story is this – in a white lab coat, behind the counter at the pharmacy, I would have had no problem recognizing this person. But out of that context, 300 miles from home, I could not place her.
How often do we miss God in action because we have a preconceived idea of the context in which we will see God. God is at work today, at every turn. Remember that we must be sensitive to see God and recognize God’s work in even the most unlikely places and times.
Clay in the Hands 
Preconcieved idea of the context we will see God – I’m guilty. Here is one of my many stories.
I’m eating lunch at the cafeteria at college, observing all the latest trends of the students and commenting on them with friends at the table. Picture this walking in – 4 guys of different authenticity but all of them with baggy pants – hanging to the floor – caps backwards – ipods in place – and many other items that would call attention to themselves in a town like convervative Levelland. They went through the line, sat down at a table in front of me and proceeded to take off their caps – hold hands – and pray before they had their meal.
Talk about God setting me straight that day. He helped me see Him in places that I think are unlikely – but He doesn’t.
Wow Dave! Awesome story. It is good to hear that God is at work in the lives of our students – sometimes God needs to set us straight. Thanks for sharing.
How right you are my friend God is all around us working everyday! Have enjoyed your blogs Thanks for sharing your faith