I've been meditating on Psalm 66:5, which invites one to "Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men." (NKJV)
I turned to this passage to prepare for a meeting earlier this week with a women's ministry's whose program theme was "See God Work." As I reflected on that phrase, and on the Psalm, I found myself noticing God at work all around me, in simple yet touching, ways.
I saw God working on Saturday, when I stopped by a local 5K Run for literacy and talked to the organizers as they folded their tables and put away signage. An hour had passed since the race had ended and all of the participants had departed - or so we thought.
Just as we prepared to leave the race area, in rolled a man in a wheelchair. The executive director of the literacy program turned to me and said that the gentleman, who appeared to be in his 50s, is one of the agency's students. He is learning to read and experiencing life in a new way. He was determined to finish that race and support the agency that has given him this chance. Even in his wheelchair. Even after everyone else had left. God was at work.
I saw God working on a night earlier this week when I visited with the women's ministry and heard ladies who are considered the least and the lost by most of society, share how a group of Christian women have served as their angels on earth. Through an organization called Women In Transition, teachers, entrepreneurs, writers, etc., take time each week to help women leaving prison, recovering from drug abuse and struggling to raise their children with love and wisdom.
One of the mentees stood before the group and expressed how having someone to turn to for advice, guidance, prayers - and a kick in the pants when she needed one - was a form of love she had never experienced before. See God work.
I saw God working when I opened an email from a dear friend who is battling breast cancer and read that her mother has now been diagnosed with the same form of the disease. The email took my breath away. But in true form, this woman expressed her thankfulness to God, noting that even in these tough times, God is showing her what to be grateful for and how to laugh, despite the chemo treatments, baldness and breastlessness. God is at work.
Those are just a few examples. I could go on and on about the beauty of His goodness, but I'm certain if you consider it, you can recall your own experiences.
If we'll make a habit of opening our hearts, along with our eyes, we'll routinely see the wonder of God's love, grace and mercy all around us. We'll witness (without envy) how He is blessing some, and how some are handling challenging seasons with grace.
Instead of fretting over the issues beyond our control, we'll begin to recognize God's fingerprints in the circumstance. The light of His love can overshadow the gloom of a frightening diagnosis, frustrating situation, grief, fear or loneliness. It can heighten the joy of a beautiful day, life-changing event and hard-won victory.
When we look for God through the cobwebs and shadows, or despite the distractions of worldly treasures and accolades, we'll feel the power of his love. Others will feel it, too. Pretty soon, they'll yearn to see God working for themselves.
Questions? Comments? Email me at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>> Stacy Hawkins Adams is the author of the Christian fiction novel "Speak To My Heart." She is also a reporter and inspirational columnist for the Richmond Times-Dispatch in Virginia. Stacy often speaks to audiences about the blessings that come with authentically living one's faith. She and her husband, Donald, have two children.
|
