God-Sightings
This phrase was introduced to me last week…and I suddenly knew this is what I have been searching for. What is a God-Sighting? It is Hope. It is Hope for Life. Not the life as is, but everlasting Hope.
It is when everything seems hopeless and God in His Greatness makes His Presence known and gives us a glimpse of His Eternal Hope. Suddenly we no longer feel hopeless. And we know joy once more – not the world kind of temporary joy, but the everlasting soul-deep joy that contains unending well of peace.
I remember a journey to my Dad’s side after a heart attack. I made the six hour’s drive alone. My husband told me one thing that I remember to this day…almost 40 years ago. “He will be OK, either way.” I pondered those words. There was more to learn on that trip. As Mother and I sat beside Dad’s bedside and the sun fell, Mother told me she was going home to sleep. I asked Mom, How can you sleep? She answered with this verse: In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. Psalm 4:8.
Now after experiencing the death of my parents, one brother, a son and a grandchild, I understand. When we live in God’s love — whether on this earth or go to an everlasting home with God – it IS OK. That brings peace to the heart. For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead. Romans 14:7-9
Just what is a God-Sighting? A God-Sighting can be a miracle. It can be a smile that brings us hope and comfort. It can be a scripture that reminds us of the love of God. It can be a plate of pumpkin bars or a bowl of fruit. It can be a kindness, a gift of time or a caring act.
Jesus performed miracles during his three-year of ministry…God-Sightings that amazed all the people who saw and knew Jesus. Feeding of the five thousand people, changing of water into wine at the wedding feast, stilling the waves, walking on water, healing the lame, the blind and raising Lazarus from the dead. Each of these is not in the realm of possibility for us according to science, but Jesus created both water and us. He created the world, therefore with Him it is possible. He replied, “What is impossible for people is possible with God.” Luke 18:27
What can a God-Sighting do? Being aware of a God-Sighting at any time, gives us an expectant point of view. It is the kind of living that doesn’t look back with regret but looks forward to a God-filled future. My Mother, after losing her husband, going through cancer surgery, and finally selling her home to move to our city to be near to us had a comment. “Every morning when I wake up, I ask God what He has for me to do today?”
Being available and alert helps us not to miss a God-Sighting. Being available to serve God gives us an expectant outlook. Letting God lead our lives is not planning a steel – bound schedule that locks us in to a focus on our own plans and goals. Being ‘busy’ is a way of life for most people…then we cannot be available to our Lord. And it is our excuse for not being available to see a God-Sighting.
Remember the story of the Good Samaritan, despised by Jews, came upon a Jew lying in the ditch after an attack from bandit …and helped him. This was after a Priest and a Temple Assistant came by and walked on the other side, not stopping to help. These men were not available to God.
When will we find a God-Sighting? When things seem the most hopeless and there is nowhere to turn. If you think that the only thing is praying, then you know that is the first thing to be done. God waits for us to ask. God waits with love and forgiveness and hope to let us know He cares. His Presence is always there…waiting for us to realize how much we need Him.
Once, in a Bible Study, we discussed an answer to prayer. That is when someone with a quiet prayer commented, “We did pray, didn’t we?”
Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly. Psalm 112:4, 7-8
This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. I John 1:5
From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. In fact, “My light shines most brightly through believers who trust Me in the dark. That kind of trust is supernatural: a production of His indwelling Spirit.”
When we search for God-Sightings in a hopeless situation, we grow our faith and belief in God. And most of all, we trust Him. Living in God’s Light brings us Joy and a praise unending in God, the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
How can I say thanks for the things –You have done for me?
Things so undeserved yet You gave –To prove Your love for me
The voices of a million angels – Could not express my gratitude
All that I am, and ever hope to be – I owe it all to Thee
Things so undeserved yet You gave –To prove Your love for me
The voices of a million angels – Could not express my gratitude
All that I am, and ever hope to be – I owe it all to Thee
To God be the glory – For the things He has done
With His blood He has saved me – With His power He has raised me
To God be the glory – For the things He has done
With His blood He has saved me – With His power He has raised me
To God be the glory – For the things He has done
Comments? eacombs@eacombs@cox.net