Is that really you?
By: Justin March

“In a nation that was required by law to care for its prophets, isn’t it ironic that God turned to ravens and a widow to care for Elijah?  God has help where we least expect it, and he provides for us in ways that go beyond our narrow definitions and expectations.  No matter how bitter our trials or how seemingly hopeless our situations are, we should look for God’s caring touch; we may find His providence in some strange places.”

An excerpt from Jan Sumner’s book…..”Prisoner of Faith”

Now this is the message I have been looking for.  As I allow the world to push its’ agendas and ideals into my life, I feel like I am traveling my journey with a blindfold.  I fail to look for God’s caring touch, and I often miss the opportunities to revel in His shining presence.  And as I read the passage above, there is no doubt that my definitions and expectations are too shallow for the power God truly holds.

But then He shows up.  Not riding in a flaming chariot or surfing on a lightning bolt, but rather in the simplest and strangest of places.  After a hard day, he lays his head on my lap, stretches out all four legs and licks my face to bring me comfort and peace.  He sends me a text message and reminds me that friends and family are always there for me.  He makes himself small, hugs me goodbye, and tells me I’ll see you after school.  And he warms my body as the rays of the sun remind me that spring is right around the corner.

In these moments, the blindfold unties.  In these moments, I begin to understand how God uses the least worthy, the least fortunate, and the least deserving to spread his messages.  And now that I am no longer traveling my journey blind, I am open to what He wants to show me and where He wants to help me.

Friends, there is no doubt in my mind that God is still here with us.  He may not be flashy, he may not make a dramatic appearance, and he may not perform some miraculous feat, but He is always ready to show His face.  When we look for His caring touch, when we remove the blindfold, and when we take another step along the journey he has put before us, we begin to understand that He shows up in places we may have never imagined.  And when our perspective allows us to be open to God and all He has to offer, He provides help where we least expect it.

I hope you see God in some unexpected places this week.  I pray that when you feel peace, the extension of grace, or the love from another that you don’t discount it to happenstance or coincidence.  Instead, be reminded that He is walking with you.  Be reminded that He can show up anywhere or in anyone.  And be strong in your faith so that when you want to ask is that really you, you are confident and assured that it is Him and that He showed up for you in the simplest and strangest of places!