He was reading a book. I was reading a book. His was for adult sufferers of an emotional disorder. Mine was on prayer.

As the airplane leveled off at cruising altitude, I asked him if I could copy the name of his book for a friend who had been diagnosed with the same condition. “Sure,” he replied, “but only if I can have the name of your book on prayer.”

We laughed. God had opened a door for interaction.

During the flight, I learned much about Gary and his spiritual journey. “I am a Christian first,” he said, “and a member of my church by choice.” He confessed to me that many years earlier he had enrolled in seminary. “I don’t believe I was called to be a pastor,” he admitted. “My ministry, if I had one, would have been in the area of teaching.”

“The Bible says the ‘gifts and calling of God are without repentance,’” I replied, trying to maintain a casual tone.

“Oh, I know,” he said, apparently un-offended by my boldness.

Gary explained that because of some lifestyle choices he set aside his seminary plans. “These decisions pretty well ended my life as I knew it. I have been running from God and the call on my life for the past 15 years.” We talked about that.

Soon the airplane started its descent. “Apparently, God hasn’t given up on you. Why don’t you throw on the brakes and find out what He wants to do with the rest of your life?” I pressed. “Incidentally, you don’t need a ‘classroom’ in order to be a teacher. Start a small Bible study at work or in your living room. Someone may be waiting for you to be obedient.”

“Thanks,” he said. “I needed to hear that!” God had arranged a divine encounter.

─Shirley G. Spencer