Discerning Divine Visitation (II)

 “For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.” (John 5:4, New King James Version).

This is the key Bible verse for the “Come and See” devotional today.

The first part of this series of devotionals showed the importance of being able to discern God’s divine presence and it also showed that God does not always work in the way one might expect. In view of this, we have to avoid pre-conceptions of how we expect God to fulfil His Promises. As mentioned in the first part of this series, God says: “I don’t think the way you think. The way you work isn’t the way I work.” (Isaiah 55:8-9, The Message).

Elijah was a man of impeccable achievements. He knew the voice of God and was an instrument of terror as far as the works of the wicked were concerned. Although he had no difficulty in recognising the majestic voice of God, the Bible records an episode he had concerning an assignment God sent him.

The Lord said to him: “go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” (1st Kings 19:11-12, 21st Century King James Version).

The same God who had showed himself, by fire, to Elijah on Mount Carmel, decided to manifest Himself through ‘a still small voice.’ No wonder God says: “be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalms 46:10, New International Version).

God has made immense efforts through the Written Word to help us understand that His ways are not quite as complicated as we sometimes may think, as long as we believe in Him. Jesus Christ said: “for where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20, New King James Version). Nothing else can be truer than this revelation and indeed, the Bible reveals that the dwelling of God can be recreated any time and every time, through praise. In addition, the Lord confirmed His assured presence when He said: “sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst.” (Zechariah 2:10, New King James Version). God promised never to leave you alone.

God is always true to His Words and His Promises but we must remember that His ways are not our ways although the end result of all His works are the same: to improve the situation of His people and give them everlasting life. Hence, each time you come into the presence of God, be rest assured that only one thing will happen- there will be a positive change or a turnaround of situation: a change from pain to relief, from hopelessness to hope, liberty to the captives, vengeance for the oppressed, beauty for ashes, oil of joy for mourning and life for death (read Isaiah 61 verses 1-3)

Let us pray: “Father, open my spiritual eyes to discern your ways and to be sensitive to your presence. Help me not to be found wanting on the day of your visitation,” in Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

This message was brought to you by Evangelical Ministries International (EMI). We know this message has been a blessing to you. Please share your testimonies with us by visiting our website www.evangelicalministries.org or contact us on info@evangelicalministries.org. God bless you!