God of the Unexpected Moments

At a public high school choral concert, I saw and experienced God. No, it wasn’t that the performers were amazing. They were good. Not that the program was super creative — it was innovative, but not over the top. It was a nice program with all the expected elements: good music, a few solos, musical variety, harmony, instrumentalist accompaniment, and a few dancers. The beautiful printed program was handed out, the sound system was checked, and the concert began on time. That may have been one of the miracles that I should have noticed, but did not. The teacher directed, encouraged, gave accolades to the students, and made all the normal announcements. Perfection was not expected nor seen.

Being grandma, I mostly watched my own grandchild and was pleased. She did not sing a solo, but sang her part very well; at least I thought so. I must admit I am a bit partial. The moment halfway through the concert when God was to be noticed was about to start. We were all unaware of God being present in a young man possibly 14 or 15 years old, standing on the stage, who was about to sing. I had noticed him in the group and realized he was somewhat at a disadvantage as he was the only male in the not so gender-diverse “mixed chorus.” There he stood in the midst of possibly 20 girls. I do not want to mislead the readers, as there were other male singers, part of the men’s chorus, or the madrigals, but not in this group. I noticed that he had difficulty walking and needed the help of a young lady to get to his place on stage. He obviously had some difficulty that caused him to stand out, but I cannot tell you what it was.

He began singing, a nice voice — but it was not what drew us in. It was the song and how he sang. Amazing Grace, it truly touched the hearts of all the listeners. He sang it with his whole heart and soul and each of us rose from our seat. We felt God’s presence in this humble disabled young man. We were listening to a young man praising the Lord.

“I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.” Psalm 9:2 (NIV)

The song and the young man singing called for us to acknowledge God’s presence. We could feel God’s grace and we each responded. Once composed, I noticed there were people all around me with tears running down their faces, standing in God’s presence. We had just had an unexpected glorious moment of seeing God in a most unlikely place.

I began to wish that the attendance had been larger, but I am so wrong. It is up to God to decide when He shows up and to whom. I know God does come to each of us individually and He often ministers to an audience of one. I am thankful that this teacher and young man obeyed God. We may not be called to sing, but our gifts and talents are needed to serve others, to show them the love and grace of the Lord.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) 

Thank you, Lord, for this amazing unexpected moment! May we all recognize God and thank Him for these unexpected moments in our lives.

Copyright © Kathy Schultz. Used by permission.