Just Watch Me!

Monday, February 20, 2023
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "The Lord's Prayer"1 (Lyrics)

It was October, 1970, and Canada was under a serious terrorist threat. A reporter had asked the Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau, how far he would go in dealing with the crisis. "Just watch me!" Trudeau responded. He subsequently ordered the War Measures Act. It was a drastic measure, fitting for the crisis. Thereafter, those words, "Just watch me!" have become enshrined in Canadian history.

Lately, those three words have also become enshrined in my prayer life — I'd say, by God Himself. That's right. The Spirit sometimes interrupts my prayers with that famous quotation, "Just watch Me!" The effect has been startling.

I'd be mulling over a burden. Then suddenly, those words would grab my attention. Instantly, my focus shifted from myself to God. It was as if He had just pushed me out of the ditch. Suddenly, I'd find myself eagerly expecting something down the road, something that God would do. It seems that God is training me to be on the lookout for His activities.

"Just watch Me!" That's what God has repeatedly been telling His people, especially during times of crisis. The ancient nation of Judah received this alert when besieged by a terrifying army. They heard those three words this way:

2 Chronicles 20:15b,17a – Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. (NIV)

For me, the words, "Just watch Me!" sound like a dare, as if God were confronting my silent skepticism. He probes my dimness, saying, "So you think I'm not up to anything remarkable! Well, My child, just lift up your eyes! You just watch what I'll do!"

That happened to the prophet Habakkuk. He saw his nation being destroyed by violence and oppression. God answered his complaint with that dare, "Just watch Me!" — expressed this way:

Habakkuk 1:5 – Look at the nations and watch — and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. (NIV)

I've discovered that God can use any situation — good or bad — to alert us to His potential. We may hear it while burdened over a personal crisis or over a global crisis. We may hear it through the actions or words of others. Perhaps, it's through a gentle nudge by a caring friend concerned that we're getting stuck over a past offense. Perhaps, it's through the cold shoulder of a heartless individual who dismisses our concern altogether. God may draw our attention through a relaxing documentary, or conversely, through anxious media hype. The context is irrelevant. What matters is somehow hearing God's daring call, "Just watch Me!" Let's learn to wait expectantly, always on the lookout for the unfolding of His plan.

Prayer: Lord, open our ears to hear Your call, "Just watch Me!" Open our eyes that we may recognize Your hand at work in whatever life situation is on our mind. Amen.

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About the author:

Diane Eaton <d.eaton@bmts.com>
Paisley, Ontario, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Thank you, Diane. Amen.


    Thank you! I expectantly am on the lookout too.


    Thanks for sharing your encouraging words, Diane.


    Thanks, Diane. This might be my new motto! I think I experienced just such a moment last night.


    Thanks Diane, certainly another way to look at the phrase “Just watch me” and apply it to Bible readings. Blessings.


    Thanks, Diane, for this powerful and thought-provoking message to display the all-sovereign majesty of The Creator and Sustainer God! Blessings.


    Thanks, Diane, these words are active in my life at the moment!
    Bless you for making them so personal!
    (BC)


    What an encouraging devotional, Diane. It’s a good reminder for us to lay our concerns aside and let God work out the details since He knows all about our situation.


    Hi Diane, thanks for this devotional. I have things I’ve been praying about for what seems to have been a long time, and I certainly am expecting Him to push me out of the ditch! You’re an awesome writer, so inspiring.


    Thanks, Diane, for another excellent and “right on” devotional. Yes we need be on alert at all times for what our Lord might have ready for us and His response will be the right way for us. Blessings for your mindful and encouraging writings.


    Dear Diane,
    Thank you, as always for your thoughtful devotional. This morning I was reading Andrew Murray’s The Ministry of Intercession. He was encouraging his readers to remember when praying, “God hears me.” which is much the same thought as “Just watch me”. Thanks for your reminder to watch for what God is doing.


    Good morning, Diane,
    Thank you for this inspiring word and how it causes excitement with the endless possibilities of God. This is how I usually go to church also….expecting and Habakkuk says it well!
    Have an exciting week filled God’s surprises!!!
    God bless.


    Dear Ms Eaton, I realize that you meant well by this devotional, but I was saddened that you actually compared our Almighty God to a politician! God is simply incomparable, period. No human being, their words or actions, who ever lived or ever will live in the future will ever compare with Almighty God. It never is a good idea to mention any politician and compare them or their words and actions to Almighty God.


    Thank you, Diane. Wise words for a time such as this!!!


    Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us today. May God bless you abundantly. Blessings.


    Diane, that spoke to me tonight when a dear friend is going through problems at work. I’m going to send this to her. She is waiting to get ordained but needs to get a call from a congregation.
    Blessings.


    Hi Diane….I have reread this devotion several times this past week, and now tonight I have a few minutes to respond. You have given new meaning to the words “Just watch me”, an expression that I have used many times over the years. However, now when I say them, I know that I am going to hear myself adding, “Oops! Over to you, Lord, and I shall watch you.” Less daring on my part, and more attention on what God can do.
    Thanks again for your thoughtful devotions which always manage to pull me up smartly, making me think more carefully.
    Blessings!

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