Seek His Face, Not His Hand

All too often, we can allow our lives to become consumed with society’s views, and rely too heavily upon the “quick fix” options to alleviate the pain today’s world has to offer. We can find ourselves constantly seeking out just one little push of the easy button. Maybe you desperately try to avoid the much needed conversation because we can’t bear the confrontation, or at times, we can even tend to look the other way, because coming face to face with reality means we may need to change who we see in the mirror. What happens when your road takes an unexpected turn, or when you continue to find yourself knee deep in the muck? As Christians, our response to every situation greatly depends on from which perspective we chose to look. The foundation of our very faith relies on where we place the focus of our eyes and of our hearts. God does not promise us a life free from trials, but He does promise all of His love, grace, and mercy as you embark on the unfamiliar journey ahead. (Matthew 11 : 28-30)

In John 16:33, Jesus says to the disciples prior to His arrest, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on this earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” As believers, we should expect nothing less than the continuing tensions placed upon us from a world so out of touch with Christ. However, we can also expect our spiritual relationship with Christ to produce abundant amounts of joy, peace, and comfort because we are able to remain in sync with Him by way of The Holy Spirit.

The Gospels record the constant failings, struggles, and doubts the disciples encountered as they grew alongside Christ. A life lived out in faith often involves hard work, persecution, deprivation and deep suffering, yet remain focused on the Resurrection that follows the Crucifixion. As we decide to walk in faith with our Lord, He will time and time again allow us to be tempted, tried, and challenged far beyond what our own abilities are capable of handling. Do not become discouraged my friends, each trial is designed to be evidence of His work in your life for others to see. Moses encountered God through a burning bush in Exodus 3:4, Peter, in the midst of a raging storm walked on water with Christ in Matthew 14: 28-29, and Joshua parted the Jordan River out of trust and obedience to Him as described in Joshua 3. Each one of these experiences built the faith of these men, and the same holds true for what you and I experience through this life.

Author and speaker Os Hillman writes, “God often times allows pain to ignite destiny in our lives. Without motivation, many of us would never fulfill the purposes for which God created us."

The Holy Spirit transformed the disciples into powerful men of God who turned the world upside down. Just like each and every one of us today, they were ordinary people whom God chose to use in extraordinary ways. The key point here my fellow sisters, is not to focus your eyes on His hand of deliverance, because let’s face it; your circumstances may never change. However, keep in mind there is great victory through the pain. Just like the Apostle Paul, we may have been allowed a thorn in our flesh for reasons we may never understand, but rest upon the words God spoke to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” The sole fact that God’s power is displayed in our weaknesses should give us the hope and courage to proceed. It is truly one of the many signs of spiritual maturity when we can rejoice in the hardships and use them as a means of glorifying God. My prayer for all of you today is that you are able to look past the temporary pain of this world, seek God in all of your circumstances and boldly ask Him to help you adjust your lens if needed. Don’t allow yourself to miss an opportunity to see Him.......you never know who may be watching.

1 Chronicles 16:11 “Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always”

Stefanie Calens
Writer