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Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (NIV)
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (NIV)
Happy Tuesday! Thank you for dropping by my blog today. If you read the Proverbs 31 devotion for today, your mind may already be thinking about the invisible miracles that you have seen God perform in your life, or maybe about those miracles that you may have never given Him credit for.
But what about those miracles that He performed, that we may not have known about? Is it possible, that the reason we may not see the miracles that God is performing, is because we are not “seeing” Him for who He really is?
I came across a poll, that was conducted in 2007, which asked a random group of people how they saw God. Their answers showed these results:
31% saw God as an Authoritarian God, meaning all rules, and no fun or joy
23% saw God as being a Benevolent God, meaning God loves everyone, and does not really expect people to believe in Him to get to heaven
16% saw God as a critical God, One who could never be pleased with us as imperfect people
24% saw God as a distant God, meaning we have to live life the best we can on our strength and skills and dont really expect God to intervene
What these views seemed to portray is that people really do not “see” God for who the Bible says He is. Instead, they see Him from a perspective based on what He has done, or not done, in their lives.
The truth is, that how we see God in our minds, can be the determining factor of whether or not our relationship with Him can flourish.
For example, if we see God as being distant and unconcerned about our problems, never answering our prayers the way we want, then we will eventually turn from Him and try to handle everything in our own strength.
If we see God as being greedy, begrudging that He asks for 10% of our earnings, then we will not thank Him for our blessings, but instead come to feel like we deserved them anyway because of all we have done or how hard we have worked.
But if we see God as loving, and make a conscious effort to “see” what He has done in our life and in our hearts, even if our prayers were not answered in the way we had hoped, then we will learn to look to Him for guidance, comfort, wisdom and joy. We will learn to see Him as a loving Father, who knows best.
If we see God as being the Master of the universe, orchestrating all things to bring glory to Him, even when those things are difficult or painful, we can trust Him with our whole hearts and look to Him for peace and understanding.
What I am saying, is simply that in order to see God for the sovereign God that He is, and have spiritual insight and discernment to see when He is at work, we have to first begin seeing Him for who He really is.
Here are a few verses that portray God as we should see Him:
Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (God is omniscient)
Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. (God is omnipresent)
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (God is loving)
Psalm 93:2 Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity. (God is eternal)
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (God orchestrates our lives)
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (God is caring)
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (God is forgiving)
There are countless other verses in Gods Word which portray His character, who He really is, and how we should see Him. A picture of Him is there, if we look for it.
If someone asked you how you see your God today, what would you say?
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Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries. She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.
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Tracie, loved your devotion today. It gave me pause the think about all the miracles God has done for me and my family as well.
It also brought a vivid picture to mind. I absolutely detest that Ricchochet ride! My daughter and I got on it because it looked like a kiddie ride. We’re both pretty sturdy and courageous when it comes to amusement park rides, but by the end of that one we just wanted OFF! Awful ride! My life flashed before my eyes way too many times!
Thank you for an awesome devotional! My scripture reading for today was from Psalm 37:3 – “Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness”. I then read your devotion on P31 site and just rejoiced in how awesome God is and how he just confirms his word to me. He is forever faithful! Blessings to you and your family.
I do agree that God is loving and good…that He does everything for His glory and our good. It is good to think on how He does protect us. At the same time, we must not think that if God allows something “bad” to happen, that we are not loved or worthy of His protection. As Job stated..(paraphrased)-“even though you slay me, I will trust you.” Our trust and faith must grow and deepen so that we may say the same, for He is Good!
Great devotion. Thank you for sharing it. Often, we need the reminder that God loves us and knows right where we are no matter what our circumstances are.
Jennifer
Hi Tracie, I am new to your devotion and blog and feel that God really is speaking to me through you today. Roller coasters…I’ve had all those thoughts about malfunctions, getting stuck while upside down, etc., etc., etc., until the day I realized that God is with me in ALL situations, even on those crazy rollercoasters. Now I ride, and yes my heart does beat a little faster than normal, but I’m no longer afraid for I know my Lord and Savior is with me…even while hanging upside down.
I’m so looking forward to receiving more of your devotionals. God Bless!
Great P31 devo. Yes, indeed, we do have to have our eyes opened and be watching to see His miracles.
Thanks for the reminders and the truth written.
Tracie,
It was so good to be reminded today through your devo of our God’s safe protection. If He has done so much to protect me, out of the same love, He will be faithful to protect my kids!
I look forward to when we can finally get together. After the conference call, we should be set!
Have a great week!
Lynn
Hello Tracie!
Today’s devotion is awesome! You hit on every thought I’ve ever had about God’s protection. This really was nice to hear about today.
Thank you!
smooches,
Larie
How do I see God today? I see him as supremely patient with me. My small group at church is birthing after 2 years, and I’m the leader doing this for the first time. I’ve made several major mistakes in the past week, but for once I’m not beating myself up over them and instead asking God to teach me lessons from them. I’m glad he is patient with me and doesn’t require perfection for me to have fellowship with him.
A beautiful devotion that draws our eyes to heaven.
Blessings! Nancy J Locke
You did it again, thanks for another post! My hubby came home last night saying his hours were cut back to 30 a week…I don’t need to worry : 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (God is caring)
God will take care of us!
Thanks!
The bigger God becomes to me in my mind, the more of Him I see.
It’s a beautiful thing to know and experience God for who He is.
The bigger God becomes to me in my mind, the more of Him I see.
It’s a beautiful thing to know and experience God for who He is.
My God is too small in my eyes. Someday I will see Him, and I know I will say, why didn’t I trust You more…why didn’t I believe You more and believe You for more (not materialistic things, but more of Him in my life).
God, show me who You are,
Joy