God Sightings

Read 1 Kings 19:9-16

"Go out and stand before me on the mountain," the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain; it was such a terrible storm that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his scarf and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.

And a voice said, "Why are you here, Elijah?" 1 Kings 19: 11-13 (TLB)

Tynea Lewis lives in Pennsylvania. When Tynea was in college, she went to Mexico on a mission trip. Every evening after working at different building sites, teaching vacation Bible school, and interacting with the community, their group would gather for worship. They took some time to share what they called "God Sightings." Where did we see God that day? How did we see God show up in the interactions we had? We were encouraged to share even the smallest experience.

As people started to share, it would spark memories for other people. They looked for ways God was showing up in small moments, and they always found God.

Often we look for God to move in mighty ways. We look for the parting of the sea, but we forget that so many times, God shows up in the simple moments, guiding our steps each day. In each small need that is met, we are reminded that God is with us in something as simple as a sunrise or a smile from a stranger.

When we take the time to be aware of all that God is doing, we will see God more often. Each time we see God in the world is an opportunity to offer praise and to connect with our loving Creator.

Prayer: Dear God, help us to see you in the small, ordinary moments of our lives, in Jesus' name. Amen.