Divine Appointments

For evangelism to be a lifestyle and not just a special event, we need to know how to recognize God’s divine appointments for us. Divine appointments are when the Holy Spirit orchestrates redemptive moments and encounters with people.

The book of Acts is full of divine appointments. Philip was led by the Holy Spirit to help an Ethiopian eunuch understand Scripture and get baptized by the side of the road. Peter received a vision to go see Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, in his home, marking a pivotal moment for the church’s outreach to the Gentiles. Although Paul wanted to preach in Asia, the Holy Spirit diverted him to Macedonia, where he happened upon a woman by the river who heard him preach the gospel and became the first European convert. Jesus also recognized divine appointments. Whether it was finding Zacchaeus in a tree or a Samaritan woman by the well, Jesus, too, took time to pause what He was doing to stop for one person in need of the good news.

So, what can we learn from the example of the early church, and how can we recognize divine appointments today?

1. Make space for the Holy Spirit’s directions. Before a full day of ministry, Jesus often started with prayer, receiving His marching orders from His Father before deciding on the course of the day. Does your life have space for the Holy Spirit to give you a mission? 

2. Be interruptible for Jesus. Notice how many of these divine appointments were unexpected. Paul tried to stay on task for evangelism in Asia, but the Spirit kept him from proceeding. His agenda was interrupted so that he could meet Lydia in Philippi of Macedonia. Is your life in too much of a hurry to have room for God to interrupt you? 

3. Leave your comfort zone. Peter took a risk to go to Cornelius’s home because Cornelius was a Gentile. The Jewish people were traditionally forbidden to associate with or enter the homes of Gentiles. Sometimes Jesus will challenge us to leave our bubbles of comfort or our well-curated plans to reach someone. Are you willing to go where He leads, even if it’s uncomfortable? 

4. Don’t be afraid of what to say. The goal of recognizing and following through on divine assignments is simply to show up where the Holy Spirit leads. Jesus said to His disciples, “Don’t worry beforehand what you will say, but say whatever is given to you at that time, for it isn’t you speaking, but the Holy Spirit” (Mark 13:11). Are you trusting that the Holy Spirit will give you the words to say, and are you listening for them? 

Go There 

After moving to a new area, I started looking for a new hairstylist. Since we are a ministering family, I wanted a salon within a specific budget. While googling options, I felt the Holy Spirit highlight a particular salon. Immediately, I swiped past, thinking, No way. However, my eyes kept returning to the name of the salon, and I asked the Holy Spirit, “Are you trying to tell me something here?” I felt Him say, Go there. I have people I want you to meet.

For a few days, I questioned whether I was hearing things wrong. It just felt completely out of place for me to go to this salon. The next day, a friend electronically wired me money as a gift because she felt led to be generous that day. It was the exact amount for the hair session. But still, in my stubbornness, I told the Lord, “I can’t in my right mind use this money for my hair. If you tell my husband that this money is for my hair, then I’ll go!”

The next day, Dave and I were praying with a family friend. We were sitting in a circle, listening to the Holy Spirit and prophesying. My husband looked confused as he had his eyes closed. Our friend implored, “What’s going on, Dave? What is God telling you?” My husband opened his eyes and said, “I don’t know why, but God told me that I need to send my wife to go get her hair done!”

I froze in amazement. I then told him about my friend’s gift, and my stubborn self finally made that reservation. On the day of my appointment, I interceded the entire way to this salon, not knowing whom or what to expect. Once I settled into my salon chair, I met her. I hadn’t told her that I was a pastor and a preacher for Jesus, but she went off about how narrow-minded, hypocritical Christians were ruining society. For two hours, I sat with her. I listened to her. When the Holy Spirit gave me words, I would encourage her.

Toward the end of my appointment, she cheerfully asked, “Oh! I haven’t asked you yet. What do you do?” I told her, “I’m a pastor. My husband and I lead a church.” She silently continued brushing through my hair and replied, “Oh! Cool.” I chuckle as I write this because this was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. For years after, she listened to my sermon clips and read my online articles. I got to encourage other workers there as well, one who even visited our church and encountered the Holy Spirit.

When I look back at that season, I am humbled because who am I to determine when Jesus wants to reach someone? He gives us the Holy Spirit because He wants our participation in His redemptive story—even if it is through our hair care.

Faith Eury Cho and her husband, David, are co-pastors of Mosaic Covenant Church of New Jersey. Excerpted from Unlikely and Anointed by Faith Eury Cho. Copyright © 2026 by Faith Eury Cho. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. Tune in to hear Faith this Wednesday, October 28, on LIFE Today.