Seeing what God is doing brings immense value to our daily lives. Are you benefiting from this richness? Do you want to see and be more aware of what God is doing? When people of faith interact concerning the works of God, we can see more clearly what He is accomplishing.
Unfortunately, God’s involvement in our lives can be overlooked when we are too focused on each other’s imperfections. The human vessels God is working in and through, you and I, are never ideal; we are always imperfect. This is true for each of us, our family, friends, work cohorts, pastors, and elected leaders. The great news is these imperfections do not impede what God is doing.
God Acts Through Imperfections
To really see what God is doing in our world, we need to step back and perceive from His perspective. Remember, He is not limited by time and space, nor is He hampered by our shortcomings and imperfections (a). [see end notes for Scriptures] To observe God’s activity, we cannot be distracted by failures.
Consider the work God accomplished through imperfect lives. Speaking was difficult for the deliverer Moses because he was unsure of himself (b). Samson was a womanizer yet God used him to repel the Philistine overlords (c). God called the heathen king of Babylon, “My servant” (d). The list of imperfect vessels through whom God works is endless. God uses unsuitable people when they are willing to step up and follow His inspiring lead.
Our willingness to be involved allows God to work not only in us but through us, especially in our everyday interactions (e). Everyone can be encouraged when they see God at work in each other’s life (f). Every instrument God uses has flaws, including pastors, teachers and leaders in government. We don’t want to miss what God is saying and doing by dismissing His vessels because of their human short comings.
To really see what God is doing, we need to step back and perceive from His perspective.
Responsibility to Interact
During the first national gathering of God’s people coming out of Egyptian slavery, to keep God at a distance they asked for a mediator (g). Later they asked for a king and lost some of their freedom (h). Eventually they fell into total captivity. Whenever we dodge personal responsibility to be involved and shy away from what God is saying and doing, our overall freedom to live and prosper can erode.
Jesus reminded us the Kingdom of God is experienced by those who interact about the purposes and activity of God (j). I know, today we are cautioned to not talk about religion or politics because those topics usually lead to arguments. Rather than talk about our different religious beliefs and practices or argue over the pros and cons of politics, our interactions can ‘discuss’ what God is doing in believers’ lives and in our governments.
God’s governing influence (His Kingdom experience) involves our personal lives and our life as a people (k). Jesus specifically said God’s kingdom is experienced by people who are fruitful (l). Yes, seeing and hearing what God is communicating is of no value if we are not involved; just like faith without works is dead (m).
Those who interact about the purposes and activity of God experience God’s Kingdom.
Responding to “God With Us”
Following the days of Jesus, people of faith interacted and worshipped God without sacred places, appointed ministers, or sacrifices. Gatherings consisted of open participation; every one shared what they could with spontaneity, freedom, and vibrancy (n). Interactions about God’s presence in our world flowed freely and naturally.
Worship was no longer dedicated to a geographic location or a building. People responded as they sensed God speak, lead and guide their activity. Writings for the first 200 years following the life of Jesus reported a common phrase among believers: “God is with us!” The first century believers are reported to have influenced the world’s perception of God (o).
Interactions about God’s presence in our world flowed naturally following the days of Jesus.
Seeing God In Our Midst
While Jesus went ‘away’ for a moment of time, his ‘return’ as a presence of Spirit would never leave or forsake them or us (p). Jesus reminds us that God’s anointing presence is our only mediator (q). He is also our spiritual Father (r), our personal Lord (s), and our real King (t). As people realized God was in their midst, with them, and among them as a presence of Spirit; the influence of the life and words of Jesus became a persuading force for improvement.
God really is in the midst of the interactions of people of faith (u); together, ‘we’ are the temple of God (w), as a City on a Hill (x), as a light to the nations (y), and the dwelling places God desires to inhabit (z). God blesses the faithful so they can be a blessing to all people and nations. What a remarkable gift—to be included in God’s activity and plan for our world!
Life under God’s magnificent guidance provides an amazing freedom to prosper as a people and as nations. Let’s not ignore God’s guidance as Adam did in the Garden and as the old nation of Israel often did. Asking God for vision to see from His perspective enables us to see more clearly what He is doing. As we work with His purposes in our world, we can excel as free people.
God really is in the midst of the interactions of people of faith.
a) Romans 9:20-21; 3:3-4; b) Exodus 4:10; c) Judges 14-16; d) Jeremiah 27:6; e) Luke 24:14-15; f) Philippians 2:12-15; g) Deuteronomy 5:1-4; 22-27; h) 1 Samuel 10:18-19; j) Hebrews 4:2; k) Matthew 22:37-40; l) Matthew 21:43; m)James 2:20-26; Matthew 21:28-31; n) Hebrews10:24-25; 1 Corinthians 14:26; o) Acts 17:6; p) Hebrews 13:5-6; Mathew 28:20; q) 1Timothy 2:5; r) Matthew 23:9; s) Isaiah 43:11; t) Revelation 19:16; u) Matthew 18:20; Luke 24:13-16, 35-36; w) 1 Corinthians 3:16; x) Matthew 5:14; y) Acts 13:47; z) John 14:1-6;
Keith Carroll, “The Relationship Guy”
Relational Gospel Founder
The Fellowship of His Presence author
http://bit.ly/KeithCarrollBooksAmazon