I love to be spontaneous, particularly if it means I get to travel. It’s even better when it’s God’s idea!

I had no plans for the day except to get over this nasty cold. When my daughter-in-law sent me a text message, I sensed concern in her voice. Her most recent calls indicated she was seeking advice, maybe even seeking God. I texted a response, “At the risk of sounding like a broken record, only Jesus can heal brokenness. I would love to see you find a church or ladies Bible study group.”

Immediately I felt a prompting of the Lord, encouraging me to help her find one. Since she lived in the Seattle area, miles from me, that meant doing a Google search. I scurried to my computer and began my search. A page of options popped up. I randomly clicked on a website and checked for studies. Sure enough, a lady’s group was starting in two weeks, a Lysa Terkeurst study called “It Wasn’t Supposed to Be This Way.” Wow, what a perfect study. I had always wanted to do one of Lysa’s studies. I felt envious that I couldn’t be a part of it.

I messaged my daughter-in-law and told her it would be a great study with only a six-week commitment, a nice length for the first study. Before hitting send, I attached the link. Then I waited. No response.

God reminded me of how nervous I had been so many years ago to go to my first Bible study. A friend ultimately invited me and I appreciated having someone to go with me. By now, my mind whirled with an idea: Why not go with her to her first one? Plus, it would give me an excuse to do one of Lysa’s studies, even if I had to finish it remotely.

I checked my calendar and realized the study began during a brief break in my schedule, so I began searching for flights. Finally, I checked out my mileage program and realized I had just enough miles to cover my roundtrip ticket. My heart pounded as I realized this could actually happen.

Off went another message to my daughter-in-law. “How about if I fly out to join you? It would give me an excuse to spoil my granddaughter and spend a few days with you.”

No message followed. Then a minute later the phone rang. “Are you crazy?” she asked. I chuckled. Perhaps the time had come to admit what most of my family already surmised! Yep, I was crazy. Then she added rather timidly, “We always love having family come visit.”

My heart skipped a beat. “So, that’s a yes?” No response. Perhaps she thought I was kidding. I continued to pursue my idea: “How close do you live to the church listed in the flier?”

“It’s only a few miles from our house!” Goosebumps ran down my arms. In the entire Seattle area, the church that happened to have a Bible study at the first site I’d googled, that would start at the exact time I could sneak away, and fly with my free ticket, just happened to be in their neighborhood. It was providential. What a big and wonderful God to arrange such amazing details. Before the call ended, I booked the flight.

Isaiah 6:8 says, “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.” (ESV)

Maybe a trip out to join my daughter-in-law at Bible study with the bonus of seeing my granddaughter and son doesn’t count as being “sent”, but two weeks later, that’s exactly what I did.

There is no doubt that our God is on the move. I’m so glad He lets me fly with Him.