Simple Words And A Big Box

Monday, January 28, 2002

Matthew 24:44 – So you must also be ready, because the Son of man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. (NIV)

Sometimes my mind comes to a screeching halt, and I spend time thinking about a word or two. It never fails that God shows me volumes just through a word. For instance, I believe God reveals Himself and His love every day. If we don't see Him, it is our fault, not His. There are two words, "expect" and "look", that describe how we can choose to see God.

According to Webster's Dictionary, to look means "to use or direct one's eyes in order to see or search or examine", referring to something defined and concrete. To expect means "to think or believe that (a thing) will happen". This definition is a little less precise, a little more abstract.

It seems to me that if we look for God, we limit Him and what He can do. It is like placing Him in our box. If we just expect Him to walk with us and reveal Himself each day, in the way He chooses, then we jump right into His box, which is much bigger and certainly more exciting. Today we can remind ourselves not to look for God, but to just expect Him to be there. How He chooses to be there is up to Him.

Some days, He hides subtly. He might be in the urging to say a kind word to someone who seems unhappy, or He might be in the hug we need at just the right moment. Other days He is blatant and bold, like the incredible sunset I saw the other night, one I would have missed if He had not quietly said, "Go outside for a minute."

Each day is different, except for the expectancy. We learn that God is faithful and will be there. We learn to let Him show up, how and where He wants to. We learn not to look for Him, but just to expect Him to surprise us.

Prayer: Oh Father of great storms and gentle breezes, reveal Yourself to us each day. Give us a searching spirit and open hearts that wait in anticipation of Your Presence. Help us to live our lives so others expect to see Jesus in them. Amen.

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About the author:

Caron Johnson-Rivera
Bradenton, Florida, USA

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