HOW GOD USES MISTAKES TO SPEAK HOPE
STACEY GAGNE – This morning we received an email from a listener who heard a message at just the right time… at the wrong time. God is so good. We asked permission to share it because I am quite sure this will bless and encourage more people than just our staff here.
“Hi, all. Just wanted to tell you an interesting experience I had yesterday morning (around 6:25 AM) while listening to WJTL on my way to work. Maybe I should mention that in late July, while spending some days at the shore, the Lord had brought a sweet devotional based on Romans 15:13 to my attention, re: hope. I tucked that verse away in my heart, not realizing that within a few days I would so need it. On the way home I had a minor accident that resulted in a severe ankle sprain and bone break. Not the end of the world, for sure, but it’s been a difficult time of mending, and feeling physically so short of normal. Added to that, my husband lost a good job, and it took us by surprise. Again, trying to cling to Romans 15:13. But I admit, I’ve struggled, and wondered at times where He is in all of it. Though I KNOW He is with us, it hasn’t always felt that way when my fears creep in, drowning out the hope He wants to keep on giving and growing in me. I was driving to work on Rt. 72 yesterday, and right around the spot when I usually hear The Bible Experience, I was hearing the voice of Joni Tada, and I listened not thinking that this was not the usual daily segment. But sure enough, her message on HOPE struck right into my frail heart, and when she mentioned Rom. 15:13, tears ran down my cheeks because it was one of those sweet, personal touches from Him that are so timely, so personal, it’s hard to fathom. And I was still marveling when the announcer mentioned that the Tada message was a mistake and “how did that happen???!!!” I had to laugh out loud, and then wonder how many others out there really needed to hear the wrong message, the one not supposed to be airing! Truly, if I hadn’t been on my way to work I think I would have tried to call, it was just that funny/amazing to me. Just wanted to let you know that God so often uses your station to reach and encourage His wondering, wandering people.
That is so awesome! I heard that “mistake” too and wondered what was up. Good Job Fred for listening even though you had no idea. Thanks for sharing this.
Yes- I heard that Joni Tada spot too… although I think it was at the regularly scheduled time, but it too was exactly what I needed to hear at the time I heard it. Its crazy how God works. So many of the songs and “trusting” verses that WJTL is playing these days are tools that God is using to impact my life and lift my spirits- Thank you WJTL!!!!
It wasn’t really a mistake at all! I love hearing about how God works through the moments when we think we have fail to lift up another. I think most often we never know who is positively impacted by those times- but hearing about them brings a smile to my face. 🙂
I was blessed by the “mistake” also. I woke up with a heavy heart and when I heard Joni talk about hope, I clung to that word and got my day started. When it was explained as a miscue, I thought, “No it wasn’t!” God knew exactly what I needed to hear! Praise the Lord!
I was so blessed by this blog post. Thank you for sharing it Stacey. And while I did not hear the “mistake” (how funny!), the recounting of it all.. as well as this entire story, spoke directly to my heart, my struggles, and my needs. Thanks to all for taking the time to write it, and pass it all along to the public.
God is always right on time never early never late! God is so good!
Wow! What an AWESOME story! I don’t recall hearing the “mistake” but as a few others said I believe it was not really a mistake but God changing human plans for His purpose! This very subject was discussed at my church this past Sunday. We make our “plans” but sometimes God needs to “rearrange them in order to accomplish His!!!!! Praise Him for his continued attendance to our needs! He knows what we need better than we ever could! I would also like to say that God most certainly uses this station to speak to me and help me through my daily struggles!!!!! God Bless you all as you continue to serve Him!!!!