Expecting God to show up

Bible Reading:

• Genesis 50
• Matthew 25
• Psalm 13

Oswald Chambers said this morning, “Do not look for God to come in any particular way, but look for Him… Keep your life in constant contact with God… Always be in a state of expectancy for God to show up.

What distracts us from living with this attitude? Being in constant contact with God, dwelling in His presence, always expecting Him to show up. Whether to reveal Himself to us, or to reveal Himself to others through us?  

In Matthew 25:9-10 Jesus told a story of women waiting for the bridegroom. Some were prepared and brought extra oil, others weren’t. When their oil ran out, they asked the others for oil. But they were told to go to a shop and buy some for yourselves. “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. They missed out on seeing God show up because they were distracted.  

Was buying oil a sin? No. Although there are times when what distracts us is actually sin. But, we can be distracted by so many things. What is it for you? Jesus said, (Matt 25:13) So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.” How does God show up?

Later in that same chapter, Jesus described how He wants to show up. He wants to use our lives as His instrument. (Matt 25:35-36) For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. ⁴⁰ “when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me.”

Today I am praying for faith for God to use you. In Gen 50:20 Joseph assured his brothers regarding what they did to him, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.” God desires to use everything in our lives for our good, and to showcase His glory (Rom 8:28-29). As God’s instruments, we don’t need to know the why, we simply need to know Him, and be available for Him to use our lives. Keep your life in constant contact with God… Always be in a state of expectancy for God to show up.

And as you face temptations and distractions, remember David’s words in Psalms 13. David prayed, asking God, “⁴ Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!” ⁵ But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. ⁶ I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me.” (Ps 13:4-6).