Choose to see

God isn’t a hobby or an interest. God isn’t a friend you decide whether or not you’ll pay attention to. God is part of your life. God is intervening, informing, speaking, and he has been since you were born. The question is not, “Do I believe in God?” The question is, “Am I willing to see God?”

The insight that came to you just at the right time? That ability to exercise patience when you were on your last leg? The wisdom that settled in during that struggle? That “eh, I don’t want to do this” that kept you from hurting someone else? These are not chance or luck. This is God, active, aware of you, and always, always ready to empower you.

There is a heartbreaking verse in the Bible. It’s something Jesus asks after he has shared an incredible truth, a truth he invites us to chew on, think about, and lean in to find the treasures that come with chewing on, thinking about, and leaning in toward God. But some people are not willing to take that risk. Some people choose to ignore the part of themselves that knows there is more! Some people walk away from Jesus, and so Jesus asks what is heartbreaking. “Do you want to leave me, too?” (John 6:67)

Just as there is nothing more heartbreaking than a choice to leave, to dismiss, to ignore, to scoff at God, there is nothing more fruitful, exciting, transforming, challenging, and breathtaking than a choice to see God.

Choose to see.

Reflection

What happens within you when you say these words aloud and are willing to repeat them, mean them, and invest yourself in them? “God, I want to see you.”

Prayer

Dear God, I’ve not been taught how to go about seeing you. I don’t know how to catch sight of your movements in and around me. I feel stupid! I entertain doubt! I get mad! I want to take this risk! I want to be excited to rub elbows with you! I want to be challenged. I want this life, my life to be more than it is! Show me, God. I don’t want to leave you. I want to see you. Amen.