Definition and Overview:
Divine appointment refers to the belief that God orchestrates events, encounters, and circumstances in the lives of individuals according to His sovereign will and purpose. This concept is rooted in the understanding that God is actively involved in the world and in the lives of His people, guiding them according to His divine plan. Divine appointments are often seen as moments when God intervenes in human affairs to fulfill His purposes, whether through guidance, provision, or the fulfillment of prophecy.

Biblical Foundations:
The Bible provides numerous examples of divine appointments, illustrating how God directs the paths of individuals and nations to accomplish His will. One of the clearest expressions of this concept is found in Proverbs 16:9: "A man's heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps" . This verse highlights the interplay between human intention and divine sovereignty, emphasizing that while people may make plans, it is ultimately God who guides their steps.

Old Testament Examples:
1. Abraham and Isaac: In Genesis 22, God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. This event is a divine appointment that tests Abraham's faith and obedience. At the critical moment, God provides a ram as a substitute, demonstrating His provision and foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

2. Joseph in Egypt: Joseph's journey from being sold into slavery by his brothers to becoming the second-in-command in Egypt is a profound example of divine appointment. In Genesis 50:20, Joseph acknowledges God's hand in his life, saying, "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people" .

3. Esther's Rise to Queenship: The account of Esther illustrates divine appointment as she becomes queen at a critical time for the Jewish people. Mordecai's words to Esther in Esther 4:14, "And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" , underscore the belief that God placed Esther in her position to save her people.

New Testament Examples:
1. The Calling of the Disciples: Jesus' calling of His disciples is a series of divine appointments. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus says to Peter and Andrew, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men" . This calling is not random but part of God's plan to establish the early Church.

2. Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch: In Acts 8:26-40, Philip is directed by an angel to meet an Ethiopian eunuch on the road to Gaza. This encounter is a divine appointment that leads to the eunuch's conversion and baptism, demonstrating God's desire to spread the Gospel to all nations.

3. Paul's Missionary Journeys: The Apostle Paul's missionary journeys are filled with divine appointments. In Acts 16:9-10, Paul receives a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading for help, leading him to bring the Gospel to Europe. This event marks a significant expansion of the early Church and highlights God's guidance in missionary work.

Theological Implications:
Divine appointments affirm the sovereignty of God and His active involvement in the world. They remind believers that God is in control and that His purposes will prevail, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging. This understanding encourages trust in God's timing and His ability to work all things together for good, as stated in Romans 8:28: "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose" .

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to remain attentive to the possibility of divine appointments in their own lives. This involves being open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, recognizing opportunities to serve others, and trusting that God is at work in both ordinary and extraordinary circumstances. By seeking God's guidance through prayer and Scripture, Christians can discern His will and participate in His divine plan.