On this day I'm inviting you into chapter 65 of Isaiah as we continue to listen to what God is saying to us. I'm reading the first twelve verses. Let God speak it into your heart and consider how it applies to you. This is what grabbed my attention:
I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, 'Here am I, here am I.'" (v. 1)
Yesterday my thoughts were on how that getting close to God requires me making the effort, wanting that enough to reach out and take hold of him. But today he also reminds me that he is so gracious that he reaches out to people even when they aren't looking for him. I know some people like that. Maybe you do too. There are people in my life who don't have a relationship with God and don't seem to be remotely interested in stepping into one. Or they have a little interest but don't manage to ever make the time. There's always something else going on. I am really concerned for them. I want them to experience true life.
Yet even while they pay little attention to God, he will keep pursuing them. He may reveal himself to them when they--and I--least expect it. There are some people who will never find God. But God will find them. So I will continue to pray for them that God will do just that!
Father, you are so gracious, so long-suffering, so patient with people. We should be seekers, but you always are. Thank you for revealing yourself and extending your hands even to those of us who give you such little thought. The image this brings to my mind is a beautiful one--you, the Creator, stepping into people's lives, standing with arms open wide, inviting people to come and be loved, forgiven, and guided into real and eternal life. Today, I choose to reach out and accept your embrace. I choose to learn and live in your ways. I choose to seek you.
Please share what God is saying to you in this text. Comment below! (Sign into your Google account first, or just choose Anonymous from the "Comment As" drop-down menu.) I look forward to what you have to share!
I remember a time, before I gave my life to Christ, when I know I was one who didn't have an interest in a relationship w/ God. Looking back, I can see how God continued to pursue me through situations in my life and a very dear friend of mine. It's hard for unbelievers to wrap their head around what it means to have a relationship w/ Christ, that it is really a good thing......I know it was for me!
ReplyDeleteI know many people, as we all do, who need Christ so badly and live in such an empty, lifeless way. I love the picture of the Lord standing w/ arms wide open, inviting people to come......I just wish everyone would understand how wonderful it is to love our Lord and run to him to help us through life.
Thank you Lord, for being so patient with your people! Help us, as believers, to be used by you to minister to those who we know need you desperately. Even if someone will not listen to my words about you, help me to minister through my actions and behavior.
Michele
Great testimony! You are so right that God often reveals himself to people who aren't looking for him through the words and actions of those who already know him! I'm so glad you want to be one of his self-revelations!
ReplyDeleteSo true Michelle... being a visible picture of Jesus to those around us.
ReplyDeleteIn the same token, we must make sure we judge our own actions, words, and what we do to make sure we give a good impression of Jesus to others. Or we could hurt the work God is doing to draw those around us to Himself. Those who know we profess to be followers of Jesus, watch intently the paths we take, how we treat others, how we respond to trials.
Daelynn
Thank you for the reminder, Daelynn! This is such a huge responsibility for us as believers and one that we need to take very seriously.
ReplyDeleteMichele