God in the Unseen

 

This morning, I am searching for God in the unseen.  As I said yesterday, it's been a minute since a devotion from Lysa Terkeurst or Proverbs 31 Ministries has come up in my social media feeds.

I'm pretty sure it's not coincidence.

My writing this morning is prompted for several people in my life right now.  Each one hurting deeply, and I can't help but think of and pray for them.

I am tempted to just copy and paste Lysa's morning devotion here because I'm afraid if I try to paraphrase it, I will leave something important out.  I am a firm believer in being still and listening.

Speaking of being still...Let me share a small story.

This morning, as I walked into my little, dark pre-dawn office, two of my morning regulars (students) followed me inside as I put my stuff down, got settled, and turned on my desk lights and computer.  They each pulled up a chair and the conversation began.  

One of the students, a young girl, read a sign on one of my window shelves (given to me by one of my best friends).  It reads, "Be still and know that I am God.  Psalm 46:10"  She read it out loud, and the two of them began asking questions.

Those questions led to a 15-minute question and answer session about the Book of Revelation, the Old Testament, and several other topics.  I was astonished to hear their viewpoints on Heaven, God, salvation, and Jesus returning.  I listened intently and only gave input when they asked my opinion.  It was a good exchange.

Sometimes, the Lord calls us to be still and wait.  Listen.  Be open to that still, small voice inside ourselves that will quietly guide and comfort us.  That point, circles us back to Lysa's prayer today.

"God, I know You are always working. Help me acknowledge Your work in the unseen. I confess my skepticism when things are not working out the way I had planned. I choose today to believe I am not a victim of uncontrollable circumstances. Even when I don’t see it, even when I don’t feel it, I will stand on the truth that You are working all things together for good. In Jesus’ Name, Amen."

So many times, both ourselves and those around us are struggling with events and circumstances put in our path.  We are praying.  We are listening, but still - it feels like God is not listening or moving. (...or okay - maybe not at the speed and visibility we'd like...)

Lysa brings this thought to the table - "What if God is working in the unseen?"

Consider these Scriptures that substantiate this question:

• "God often works in the unseen. Just because we can’t see it or feel it doesn’t mean He isn’t working (2 Corinthians 4:18)
  
  
• What may feel like a lack of intervention from God does not signify a lack of affection from God (Lamentations 3:21-23).
  
  
• God loves us too much to answer our prayers at any other time than the right time and in any other way than the right way (Romans 8:28)."

I know in my own struggles, the silence of God is hard and I have to trust He is working in the unseen.  Just because I can't see it, doesn't mean He isn't working.  Just because I can't feel His intervention does not mean God doesn't love me.  He loves me so much He will answer my prayers at just the right time.

Here is Lysa one more time, "It’s hard when we are living in that space where our heads know God can do anything but our hearts are heavy because He’s not doing what we’ve hoped, what we’ve prayed, what we’ve believed, for a long while. I get it — and I’ve cried many tears because of it."

So, if you are like myself and a few of my close friends this morning, go ahead and cry those tears out.  God is working; I can promise you that.

You may not see Him working or feel His hand interacting with you, but you can claim Scripture that promises He is!

Your heart will eventually heal.  Your strength will eventually return.  Answers will eventually come.

"Today, look for beautiful ways God is showing you assurances of His love. His affection is all around you, friend. Even in the waiting places."