Sometimes, the plans we make for ourselves take an unexpected turn, leading to a divine encounter we didn’t even realize we needed. That’s precisely what happened the other day when I had the opportunity to visit The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Naperville, Illinois.
What began as a simple outing turned into a moment where God’s timing and purpose became undeniable. My friend and I were outside taking photos in the cold when two men approached us, offering to take a picture of us together. Afterwards, they introduced themselves as missionaries and invited us to attend their church. Without hesitation, we accepted. They prayed for us before leaving, and we parted ways with that simple commitment.
Although I’d initially planned to attend Mass at a Catholic church that Sunday, I felt an undeniable push to accept their invitation. As it turned out, their invitation aligned perfectly with God’s plan for me that day.
A Warm Welcome and a Timely Message
Sunday morning arrived, and my friend and I went to the church. We were met with warmth and hospitality from the moment we stepped through the doors. The first person we saw—a man sitting on a bench with a baby—greeted us with a genuine smile, setting the tone for the entire experience. Everyone we met was welcoming and kind, creating an atmosphere that felt like home.
The service that day was centred on hope, and while deeply moved, I’ll save that discussion for next week’s post. At the end of service, they split into groups alternating between Sunday school and men’s and women’s studies each week. That day, it just so happened to be the latter. The study that day was on two themes: holiness and gratitude. Both topics spoke deeply to my heart, reminding me of the transformative power of these virtues in our walk with God. Sitting there, I couldn’t help but feel this was exactly where I was meant to be.
Holiness: A Call to Set Apart
Holiness is often associated with being “set apart” for a divine purpose. In a world that constantly pulls us in different directions, striving for holiness means choosing to live in alignment with God’s will and allowing Him to shape our character and purpose.
The study that day emphasized that holiness isn’t about perfection but about our willingness to draw closer to God. 1 Peter 1:15-16 says, “But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.'” This scripture is a reminder that holiness begins with our daily choices— faith over fear, love over resentment, and gratitude over entitlement. An interesting question was put out for us to ponder. Is holiness a mindset or a task on a to-do list? I kept thinking that it’s both, but it requires intentionality. What was the next slide? Holiness requires intentionality. The Spirit was moving! I wanted to slap myself for not speaking up. Ha! Holiness is about setting aside time for God, seeking Him through prayer, scripture, and reflection, and allowing His presence to sanctify our lives. It’s a process, not a destination, and each step brings us closer to reflecting His image. One of the women said it’s seeing God in the most mundane tasks, such as doing laundry.
Gratitude: A Heart Aligned with God
The second theme, gratitude, is equally powerful. Gratitude is more than simply saying “thank you” for blessings; it’s a posture of the heart that recognizes God’s hand in every circumstance. Even in difficult seasons, cultivating gratitude allows us to see how God works for our good.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Gratitude transforms our perspective, helping us to focus on what we have rather than what we lack. It shifts our hearts from complaining to praising, from worry to trust.
During the study, I was struck by how closely linked holiness and gratitude are. Holiness calls us to align our lives with God’s will, and gratitude helps us recognize His presence at every step of that journey. Together, they create a cycle: the more grateful we are, the more we see God’s holiness at work in our lives, and the more we pursue holiness, the more we find reasons to be grateful.
God’s Plan vs. Our Own
Reflecting on that day, I can’t help but marvel at how perfectly God orchestrated everything. If I had stuck to my original plan, I would have missed out on an opportunity to experience this community and the holiness and gratitude message that resonated deeply with me. It’s a reminder that God’s plan often takes us where we least expect but always where we need to be. I spoke about it here.
We often make plans based on what feels comfortable or logical, but Proverbs 16:9 tells us, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Trusting God’s plan requires humility and faith, often leading us to places of growth, transformation, and unexpected blessings.
Embracing Holiness and Gratitude in Everyday Life
As I left the church that day, I felt a renewed sense of purpose, inspired to carry the lessons of holiness and gratitude into my daily life. Here are a few ways we can all cultivate these virtues:
- Make Time for God: Dedicate daily moments to prayer, scripture reading, or simply sitting in God’s presence. Holiness starts with spending time with the One who makes us holy. Elder Wilson and Dishman, the missionaries we encountered, left us with this: CPR—Church, Praise, and Reading the Scripture.
- Practice Gratitude Daily: Write down three things you’re grateful for daily. This simple habit can shift your mindset and help you focus on God’s blessings, even in tough times.
- Live with Intention: Strive to make choices that align with God’s will. Whether it’s how you treat others, manage your time, or respond to challenges, let your actions reflect a heart set apart for Him.
- Look for God’s Hand in the Unexpected: Be open to divine interruptions. Sometimes, life’s detours are where God’s greatest lessons and blessings are found.
Conclusion: A Divine Encounter
That visit to the church wasn’t just about accepting an invitation; it was a reminder of how God works through others to draw us closer to Him. The themes of holiness and gratitude were precisely what I needed to hear, and they left a lasting impact on my heart.
If you feel the nudge to step out of your plans and trust God’s direction, I encourage you to follow it. You never know where He might lead you or how it could transform your perspective. Holiness and gratitude are not just virtues to aspire to—they are pathways to experiencing the fullness of God’s love and purpose.
Reflection Questions:
- How can you create space for holiness in your daily life?
- What are three things you’re grateful for today, even in challenging circumstances?
- Have you experienced a moment where God redirected your plans for something greater?
Call to Action:
- Take some time this week to reflect on areas where you can pursue holiness and gratitude.
- Whether you set aside time for prayer or simply thank God for the small blessings, invite Him to transform your perspective.
- Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below—let’s encourage one another to walk in faith and thankfulness!
Until next time,
Abby
Authentically Abby 