Signs and Wonders In Life's Ordinary Moments
Keep alert. Why? Because God's all over the place. And often in places and people, where we least expect to find even a smidgen of holiness. Consider Paul, the Apostle, in prison but choosing to write letters of encouragement to those who were suffering outside of his cell. Instead of shaking his fist at God for his predicament, he writes: "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (I Thessalonians 5: 16-18, NLT)
WHAT?! When suffering, God wants us to do these three things:
l. Always be joyful.
2. Keep praying.
3. Be thankful.
Well, that sounds like an impossible, even ridiculous commandment. But, on the other hand, when I consider a day without any joy, prayer or gratitude, I find it hard to face it, much less the future. So I choose one of the three, for starters. Take gratitude, for example. I can usually find something for which to be thankful. And then, at the end of the day, I see where God showed up. Think small. It helps us pay attention to ways we can make some small difference, as well as ways God comes. Like the gift of the middle seat unoccupied on my flight from California. So, see what I mean? Woohoo!
Well, I'm amazed at ways God shows us we are seen and loved. Recently, I read about Philip Yancey visiting a prison in South Africa in 2006. He described a cell crammed with triple bunks, and 49 prisoners. Philip wrote, "One scene stayed with me. Instead of pornography or graffiti, the prisoners had decorated their cell with the words of hymns and praise choruses. The most touching to me was...'Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place."
So, to me, you and any who battle times of gnawing fear, anger, distrust, loneliness and loss of hope, particularly during this election and hurricane season, it's important to remember we are not alone. God is in the hurting, seemingly hopeless and horrid places around the world, our country and in us. And like these words from a song remind us ,"For this we have Jesus."
And so I suggest you Google the lyrics to Graham Kendrick's song, "For this I have Jesus." Or hunt it on YouTube. I feel confident God will encourage you. And if not that song, find another one.
If Paul could sing in prison, so can we. And, trust me, there are still signs and wonders happening all around us. And sometimes through us. Like last week in California, many times my Grand, Basil, took my hand to be sure I didn't fall. Or hugged me, for no reason. He's 14.
Talk about signs and wonders in the ordinary moments of life!
Try not to miss them. They matter, as do you.
14 Comments
Being grateful in everything. I too had the joy of the one empty seat next to me on a long flight overseas. Also on Wednesday this week, flowers were delivered to all 30 residents in our assisted living. Yesterday our activity director gave everyone a hand massage. “In everything give thanks”.
Oh, dear Barbara, what a lovely word picture of God's tender heart towards you and all those in your assisted living home. Such kindness from the activity director to give each of you a hand massage. Yes, "in everything give thanks." May God continue to surprise you or tap you to surprise others with the love of Christ.
Thank you Jan for seeing the minute works of God. (Did you ever notice how minute and minute are spelled the same? hmmm something to ponder.) So glad you had a grand time in CA... (pun intended!)
Blessings to you
Shelly
Thanks, dear Shelly, Basil and I had a Grand time together. And, no I hadn't noticed your illustration about minute and minute. Minding and appreciating the minutes can make a difference in the days of our lives. Happy Fall Y'all to you.
Signs and wonders, wonders and signs - we have seen so many here in western NC the past three weeks. Despite the devastation Helene's visit left, the evidence of God's love through his people has been everywhere! As always, your posts feed my hungry soul, dear Jan.
How good to hear from you, dear Maggie. . I love North Carolina and have family and friends there. So, Western NC is in my daily prayers, So grateful;ul but not surprised at ways God is showing up through His people. I know you and Mike are part of that blessing of loving care..
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful stories and the truths from God’s word!! I remember seeing you at Camp Spofford many times and touched so much, helping me to grow. And I was elected the chairperson to set up the Women’s retreat at Spofford and invited you to come and speak. That Wednesday before the retreat 9/11 happened!! We talked and you came !! I have never forgotten that weekend and how hard it had to be for you to come and minister to us Allan’s yet you did. You led a prayer vigil on the lake with 300+ women each holding a lit candle as we prayed!! Thank you so very much for doing that and reading this devotional brought me back. The three things: Be joyful, keep praying and be thankful somehow was incorporated during that weekend.
Thank you for these words, dear Patty. Over the years, I was privileged to be part of many retreats and work with so many incredible women , like you. That was a frightening time in our country. And while, today has its own frightening aspects, both times called for and still call us to pray. And to find that for which we can be grateful. When we pay attention, it's amazing to discover how many ways God makes known to us we are not alone and we are dearly loved.
That is supposed to read minister to us all!!
Had to laugh at "Allan's". Autocorrect gets it all wrong sometimes. And sometimes it's my own old fingers that go faster than they're meant to move at 84. I loved my times at Camp Spofford. So beautiful! So sacred.
Precious words ! I love them and you! Thank you, Jan. ❤️
And thank you, dear Sue. It always does my heart good to see your name show up.
So near and dear to my heart "Be Thankful" - it's a life changing attitude. God knew what He was doing when he told us be thankful in all circumstances! And of course to choose joy and to pray always!! I love that quote from Philip Yancey. I read it to some co-workers the other day - it put their woes in perspective. :) I just pulled up "For This I Have Jesus" on YouTube - a beautiful way to start my day. Love you!
Thanks, always, for your encouragement, dear Wendy. It does help to sing. I do it in the car, often, with windows up, not down. Wouldn't want to cause an accident. But a thankful heart, seems to work like a holy vaccine against the dis-ease of fear, anger, confusion and a complaining spirit. Times like these we also need a shot of TRUST that God is over all and we are being prayed for by a vast cloud of witnesses to all of this. Blessings on your day and the work of your hands, heart and mind. I love you, too, and Steve.