Be at the Right Place at the Right Time

by Tammy Phillips
August 21,2023

“At the right time, I, the LORD, will make it happen.” [Isa 60:22 NLT]

It was our last day at the beach. The weather aps predicted an overcast day.  I was so tired; I thought about skipping sunrise and sleeping in.  However, anyone who knows me, knows one of my greatest joys is chasing the sunrise.  I arose and walked to the end of the boardwalk about 6:15 AM.  I took a seat on a bench and awaited the show.  A smile crossed my face when a young couple passed by dressed to take pictures at the dawn. 

As I lingered in my weariness, seeking the sun to dot the horizon, I determined I was not walking the beach.  Suddenly, I heard the LORD whisper, “But I have a surprise for you.”  Honestly, I thought I made this up.  I questioned the Lord, “Is it a big shell or a perfect little shell?”  He did not answer. 

I watched the young couple attempt to set up their camera for a few test shots.  At 6:45 AM, I couldn’t resist the call of the Lord, the sea, nor the vibrant orange pin hole that peeked through the clouds on the horizon.  

“A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” [Pro 16:9 NKJV]

Thankfully,  I obediently stepped to the shoreline to capture the masterpiece that God painted on that day.  I was not in place five minutes when I saw the young man approach in my peripheral vision.  I replied before he asked, “I would be happy to take y’all’s picture in just a few.”  He drew nearer and whispered over my shoulder, “I am asking her to marry me.  Will you take a few pictures and then video the proposal?”  I got so excited, but he quickly calmed me, so she would not  perceive anything unusual.  We immediately walked toward his future.  I captured several pictures and then he gave me his phone to video.  He dropped to a knee without saying a word.  She was completely shocked and elated.   Shortly, after the “YES,”  she asked if she could give me a hug and thanked me.  

It was just the four of us on that section of  beach that day, Alex, Jessica, me, and the Lord.  This was the surprise Holy Spirit had promised:  Sunrise, love, and romance.  The heart of God knew how this would bless me.  He had me at the right place at the right time for this sweetest gift. 

God’s timing blows my mind and I never get used to it.

Are you seeking God? Are you following Him when He speaks?  I have experienced unimaginable blessings when I have actually listened and been obedient to His voice.  I know I  miss out when I  don’t. . 

I enCOURAGE you to seek the Lord.  Follow Him when He speaks. Have you been waiting on the Lord?  Keep waiting.  He is seldom in a hurry, but never late.  He will get you to the right place.  And “at the right time, He will make it happen.”  His timing is perfect. 

Viva Magenta:  Live.  Breathe.  Be at the right place at the right time. 

“[If] I take the wings of the morning, [And] dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.” [Psa 139:9-10 NKJV]

P.S.  Later in the day on the beach, the Lord arranged for me to to share with Jessica the whole story about the Lord and “at the right time.”  It was a good, good day!