My goal, as a Stanford University student, was to start a Bible study in the Sigma Chi fraternity house. For over a year I could get nothing going. Then came my "God-given opportunity disguised as a hassle."

I was rushing to the campus post office to mail some packages before the morning classes let out. A man on the free-speech platform was pointing out specific sins in the lives of people he'd never met, while claiming to be free from sin himself! God told me to go over and question him. "Sorry," I told God, "I'm not available to interact with this yahoo." But after minutes of arguing with God, I caved in and engaged him.

Several hundred students gathered. As we finished, the Sigma Chi fraternity house president approached me about debating this "evangelist" that evening. After the debate several students asked if I'd lead a Bible study in their house. I often talked with these young men until 1 or 2 a.m. I'll never forget the godly convictions forged in that study in Ecclesiastes.

I don't even remember what was in the packages I'd been set on posting, or who they were to. Slowing down to hear God, I learned, can lead to ministry overlooked when we rush through life.