“We know that all things work together for good to those who
love God…” — Romans 8:28
Some years ago, we met a man to discuss an aspect of the men’s ministry
we were involved in. In response to a
description of a particular circumstance he said “That’s not odd, that’s
God.” I love the English language
because of its versatility in connecting words in a memorable way. What he said as obviously stuck with me, not
just because odd and God rhyme, but because it communicates a truth that I have
experienced over and over in life. It’s
hard to fathom a God who is so big, and yet He is willing to influence
circumstances the way he does. I am
amazed when something happens that is beyond probability. I could not have orchestrated the
circumstances, but I know that God did. If it happens once you might call it a fluke.
Perhaps even two or three times, but God-caused events have been happening in
our lives since the day that we said “Yes Lord to Your will and to Your
way.” Obedience opens a door of new
experiences and possibilities, that sadly, will remain hidden as long as you choose
yourself and not God.
Often I will meet someone and immediately the thought rises, “God
has a reason for this .. but it is not yet revealed.” And then sometime later I
discover why we met, it was for kingdom purposes. If you think about it, why should
we be surprised? Every believer has the
Spirit of God in them. The same
Spirit. The Father uses the Holy Spirit
combined with the faith of His children to accomplish His purposes on this
earth. A simple example. (I have hundreds that I could share) I
received an email from a friend asking if I could connect them to a Doctor I
know who lives and serves in Jeremie, Haiti.
I told her I would. The next
Saturday we decided to take a drive to see the fall colors in the trees in a
State park. On the way, we stopped at a
restaurant to eat lunch. In the middle
of somewhere. Well, who should walk into
the restaurant with a group of her friends but the friend who asked about the
Doctor. Highly improbable. Spiritually affirming. But it was not odd, it was God.
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that
you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory
of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His
power toward us who believe.” – Ephesians 1:18-21
Christian, God is at work all around you. Be on the lookout. Dr. Henry Blackaby said that God is at work
all around us, and when you see Him working, join Him. But to see Him you must have spiritual
vision. I am reminded of Elisha’s servant.
“And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went
out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his
servant said to him, ‘Alas, my master! What shall we do?’ So he answered, ‘Do
not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And
Elisha prayed, and said, ‘Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ Then
the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain
was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” – 2 Kings
6:15-17
When you allow the Spirit of God to open your eyes, you will be amazed
at what you see.
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