Finding Waldo

“But Jesus replied, “My Father is always working, and so am I.”
~ John 5:17 NLT

You may be familiar with the Where’s Waldo? books for children.  Our six-year-old granddaughter is especially skilled at recognizing that guy in the quickest time, no matter how large and distracting the crowd or where he is hiding.  She beats her grandma every time!

In this time of waiting we are now experiencing, it’s easy to believe that God is hiding.  But nothing could be further from the truth.  God is always at work on our behalf.  The Father is always watching over us as a loving Father.  Jesus has promised to be with us forever.  Holy Spirit and Jesus are always interceding for us. God’s heavenly hosts, his angelic workers, warriors and messengers are alert to answer our prayers.  Psalm 139 makes it clear that God is with us wherever we go or whatever circumstance may try to hide his presence from us.

So, even though we may not be consciously aware of him, God is at work, and one of the Holy Spirit’s favorite things is to teach us to recognize him and to glorify him.  Even if we were not in this crisis, we could all get better at seeing Jesus in our lives. In the next few weeks, let’s choose some of God’s characteristics and a few promises to back them up and ponder them together.
 
God’s desire is that we learn to trust he is with us in the good times, and especially when the ground gives way under our feet and life is turned upside down.  Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to multiply our faith in God’s eternal, active presence with us, no matter our circumstances or what others may be saying. 

Pray with me: Lord Jesus, I believe that you are always with me. Forgive me when I turn my gaze away from you and toward my overwhelming circumstances. Forgive me when I forget to trust that you are with me to fill me with your peace and provide for all my needs. Holy Spirit, teach me to be better at fixing my eyes on Jesus.  In Jesus’ powerful name.  Amen.

Dear friend, be blessed as you choose to trust that God is always working for you in these desperate times. Be amazed as Holy Spirit opens your eyes to see more of him.  Amen.
Mary Sumner ~ April 14, 2020