Why I Am Writing This Article on How to See Jesus
I know Jesus is omnipresent, and so do you.
But how do we see Jesus in our lives? SEEK His presence, WAIT for Him, OBEY His Word, LOOK for His leading, FOLLOW His Will, and REST in His love!
Read today's article and see it is simple but not easy!
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Today, I close out my series on How to Know Jesus. Reflecting on these methods and seeing Him more as I write and practice what I preach has been such a wonderful encouragement to me. If this is the first article you’ve encountered, I’d encourage you to start at the beginning of this series with 7 WAYS TO KNOW JESUS BETTER.
But if you’ve been following along and practicing these teachings, you might already have begun to see what today’s article is about: Seeing Jesus' Hand in our Own Lives!
When we know Jesus* (4BC-30 AD), when we know the Gospel, that He pursues us when it is undeserved, loves us when we are unlovable, and directs our path, we begin to see His hand in our past and daily lives, and even our future! Don’t believe me? The Bible has some great examples!
* following a name means that the person is SPIRITUAL LIVES.
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. ---2 Chronicles 16:9
The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. – Psalm 37:23
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
But in the meantime, if you feel stuck at the beginning, remember these words from St. Paul* (5-67):
he is not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; – Acts 17:27-28
And most assuring of all is this promise from Jesus* Himself: “Lo, I am with you ALWAYS, even unto the end of the world.” – Matthew 28:20
But if you have trouble or need help seeing His hand in your particular circumstances at the moment, today, I’m going to share 10 Steps for seeing Jesus in our lives!
1. Ask Why am I here and how can I see Jesus every day?
It’s important. Learn to understand that God works through the circumstances of your life.
If you are like me, you have a routine you go through every day. Half the time, I am on auto-pilot, the rest operating within my universe of concerns, causes, and interests. Typically, my response is drawn quickly from my repertoire of previous experience. But since I’ve started working on this article, I am doing my best to ask, “What is God’s will here?”
It parallels the familiar WWDJ question but narrows it to myself, namely, “
What is Your will for me, Lord Jesus, at this time and in this situation?” “
What would You have me do?”
“What are You teaching me here?”
Perhaps you find yourself undecided about what to do in a specific situation, like David* (1085 -1015 BC), who was battling the Philistines:
Therefore, David enquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.
And it shall be, when thou shalt hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt go out to battle: for God is gone forth before thee to smite the host of the Philistines. ---1 Chronicles 14:14-15
Yes, you say, but that was David* in the Old Testament 3,000 years ago. But God has given a specific promise to His people wherever they may be throughout the world:
But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. – Deuteronomy 4:29
Best of all, we have Jesus' own promise: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. – Matthew 7:7-8
Memorize these words of assurance from Jesus Himself. Brand them on your heart. Your confidence will grow, and you will see His hand daily in the circumstances of your life.
2. Wait for Him to show you how to see Jesus through your circumstances.
“Ah, there’s the rub,” said Hamlet. Our first challenge is seeing God’s hand in our circumstances. We must spend time with Him and do some serious seeking. Begin by praying. Sometimes, God’s will is easy to find; look in the Bible!
If you cannot find it there, just wait for the circumstances of your life to unfold. Always ask: Show me Your will, Lord Jesus. Lead me in the way that I should go!
Ask this about every circumstance that arises and be faithful to act as Jesus wants you to in every little circumstance. Sometimes, it takes a year for God to reveal His long-range life plans for you!
Look at Abram* (1996-1821 BC), called at 75, promised a son at 86, and not seeing Isaac* (1896 - 1716 BC) born until 100! Moses* (1571 - 1451 BC) had to wait 40 years after he fled Egypt before God showed him His will. I am always encouraged because God did not reveal Himself to Moses until he was 80! Nor John on Patmos until he was over 90! God is working on other pieces of the plan you are a part of. He is working it all together for your good, and that often takes time.
3. Ask for God’s help in understanding your situation.
Do not be in a hurry but be on the lookout for a new revelation every day regarding each specific circumstance you ask the Lord about. How will you know it is God and not you behind the thought? Read on.
4. Remember God’s leading will always be in accord with the Bible and He wants you to be content in all circumstances:
I like what Mary* (18 BC - 41 AD) said about her unusual circumstances: Be it unto me according to Thy word: Luke 1:38
5. It will often be not your own will or your plan to deal with the circumstance you are being used in.
Always ask, “Is it God’s will or mine?”
Once, I went to a nearby church to pray in keeping with an old Belgian tradition. I was uneasy about the place and went to the pew to pray. At once, the minister walked in, laid his hand on my shoulder, and said, “I must ask you to leave; I’m closing the building now.” I left!! Jesus knows all about our circumstances
6. It will be in accord with His eternal plan. God orchestrates our circumstances!
I am sure Joseph* (1745-1635BC) did not like being sold into slavery or being thrown into prison. But it was preparatory for his role as governor of Egypt. Moses* (1571-1451BC) did not like being put on “the backside of the wilderness” for 40 years, but God was preparing him to lead the Exodus and to write the first 5 books of the Bible. Jesus was subject to his parents for 30 years before He began His ministry!
7. You will have a choice to follow or not.
Obedience to God in what He shows you in your circumstances is the most important decision you can make.
The rich young ruler walked away from Jesus’ call. Mary * gave herself completely to His Word. What will you do when God shows you His will for the circumstances facing you?
8. Thank Him for the outcome. How can we give thanks in all circumstances?
Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing GIVE THANKS: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. – St. Paul* (5-67) in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Remember, this is a command, not a suggestion! And it specifically states God's will for you!
9. Tell others what God has done for you!
You are not the only one who wants to know your circumstances. Share your experience with your brothers and sisters in the Lord so that they may learn to seek Him and His direction as you have!
10. Rest in the place He puts you until He speaks again! There is no greater joy than living in God’s rest.
God has put you where you are. He sees every aspect of your thought and life, and He governs all. Remember these words of St. Peter (1 BC -67 AD): 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
You may have some other steps to add, but it is important now to act on what we have looked at here. Start with point #1
This will take some time, and you may not get an answer right away. But remember Jesus’ promise and follow the advice of that old song, “Trust and Obey!”
Surely, goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life! Psalm 23:6
TRUST and OBEY
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Refrain
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
Refrain
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Refrain
John Henry Sammis..1846-1919
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