Have you ever heard about people who say they encountered God? How did they know that?
He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. [30] When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. [31] Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Luke 21:29-31 NIV
Reflection
I will admit it. What’s that, you ask? I do believe God engages with us directly. Yup. No matter who you are, it is very likely God is engaging you at some level to get your attention. Attention for what? Well, at times, it is to do something for Him or simply to be reminded that He loves you and is near.
I sincerely hope you feel that way as well.
When you read that verse from Luke, and the translation suggests these are the words of Jesus, you have to pay attention. Well, you should. You need to stop for a moment and see what God is trying to say.
Jesus makes it clear. All around you, it isn’t hard to witness God being involved in your life—certainly at the macro level. But it’s that micro level that I am trying to bring out in each of us who read this.
The micro level. That’s right. We are invited to have the one-on-one, and when you jump into the deep end, it may be excellent for you. It might be scary. It might require some changes. Wouldn’t you want a relationship with God?
Plenty of us avoid this very direct and connected type of relationship. Why? It’s a lot easier to do what you want without testing it against what God would want you to do or say. The old adage is, “Just do it and ask for forgiveness later.”
We are, at times, kind of selfish about things. That isn’t to suggest we are wrong, selfish people. We need what we want. That goes for we want God to be pleased with us, or we want God’s permission to behave the way we are.
It is this tension in our lives that makes it interesting to try to bring more connection into that personal relationship. After all, the world offers so many pleasing things. However, the trap of prosperity, good life, or easy living is ignoring God. We get complacent. We let our guards down. The devil steps right in and has his way with us, leaving us to go back to God where we should have always remained.
It's not our fault. Adam and Eve couldn’t help themselves, and that seemed to set the course for us. However, I do believe that if we make time in a true, honest, and real sense with God, it will lead to a desire to remain there. There are no promises of an easy life—just one where you can find peace and contentment despite the storms.
Having just written this, I am reminded of Jesus having a nap on a boat during a storm that was freaking out His followers. Jesus, sleeping peacefully while those dudes thought they were going to die. They had only one thing to do in that moment: wake Jesus and say, “Can you fix this?”. Jesus, wiping the sleep from His eyes, might have thought, “Seriously! Did you think that God was going to sink the Son of Man in this way?”
Isn’t it with us? We get a little freaked out about something going on, and we pray to God to fix it. We know we can’t so let’s step up to God and beg Him to engage and set things the way we want them. Hmm. Sounds selfish to me! By the way, I’m guilty as charged there, too!
Isn’t it time to trust more, surrender more, and be more obedient? After all, God is all around us. We just have to notice and connect the dots. When you do, trust me, clarity, contentment, and an incredible peace will come. If you invest time regularly, that draw of God will hold you tighter, and when the world or devil wants you to freak out, you won’t.
Wrapping this up. Next time you see a tree, know that God is near!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we apologize for taking you for granted. We should know you simply by our breath—the beat of our hearts. You allow us to live in our moment. Neglecting you is easy, Father. You are so good to us. You are giving. Help us, God, get back to more respect for you. More awareness. Let that change us the way you need it to. Please keep us, our families, and our friends safe. We pray in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
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