by Jana Cox

The right people, at the right time in our lives, can change our lives and destiny! One kingdom connection can change everything. We see this in the lives of Paul and Silas as they were in prison singing and praising God. There was an earthquake that shook the foundation of the jail and all the chains of all the prisoners fell off. This gave Paul and Silas an opportunity to share the gospel with the jailer who was ready to kill himself thinking that he had lost all the prisoners that he was in charge of. The jailer asked, What must I do to be saved? And he and his household were saved.

Even though Paul and Silas were in difficult circumstances they did not give up on God and were worshiping Him which brought positive life-changing results for many.

The right people in our lives can be instrumental in helping us see Jesus. In Mark 5 we meet a man named Jairus, Mark 5:21 “Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. 22 And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet 23 and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” 24 So [Jesus] went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him. 25 Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind [Him] in the crowd and touched His garment. 35 While He was still speaking, [some] came from the ruler of the synagogue’s [house] who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” ”

Jairus’ daughter was dying and he asked Jesus to come and lay hands on her so she would be healed. Jesus went with Jairus, but the crowd was large and pushing in on Jesus. Many other people were desiring that Jesus would make a difference in their lives as well. Although it seemed like Jairus’s plans were being foiled, Jesus was still on the move, and His presence was about to change the life of Jairus’s daughter.

When we listen to the right voices, we have the opportunity to make the right choices. God uses people to speak into our lives. The right people speaking into our lives can change the course of our lives, and destination.

Mark 5:36 “As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” … 40 And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those [who were] with Him, and entered where the child was lying. 41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years [of age]. And they were overcome with great amazement.”

Jesus removed those that ridiculed Him, and He spoke to the little girl and her life returned. Sometimes we need to stop listening to the voice of the crowd and get quiet before the Lord and allow Him to speak life into us.

Our lives have great value and each of our stories matter. I hope that we will all seize the moment when the door of opportunity to minister to others opens to us. As God gives us opportunities and opens doors we must make the choice to walk through that door and share His love with those around us. God’s timing is perfect and His presence is always with us.