You are in everything I encounter

Today I will look for eveidence that you are in everything I encounter

Charles Finney once said, "A state of mind that sees God in everything is evidence of growth in grace and a thankful heart."  Everything.  Mr. Finney doesn't offer fine print or exclusions.  Everything. Consider your life right this second.  Do you easily see the hand of God in everything this is happening right now?  What, for instance, are you dealing with right now that you don't remember signing up for?  Life's harsh intruders often make it hard for us to recognize the truth that our God is always present with us.

But you may be like me.  Usually I know enough when a crisis hits to turn to God for strength, grace and guidance.  It's the small stuff that gets me, those moments when my plans are messed up.  Those are the times I must learn again to trust God.  It's hard for me, because it means I have to let go of my agenda.  As I look back over my life, I can think of many times when my plans seemed to fall apart.  I see now that God's grace was right there, available, every single time, but sometimes I didn't reach out and receive it.  To have my hands free to receive God's grace, I have to be willing to let go of whatever I'm clinging to.

*Charles Finney, quoted in Edythe Draper, Draper's book of Quotations for the Christian World 

Prayer

Ominpresent, ominpotent God, 

how wonderful it would be to 

see you in everything!  Continue 

to grow me toward that end,

that I may live with gratitude,

especially for the grace of your 

unfailing love for me and your

constant presence with me.

His Word

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and lean not on you rown

understanding;

In  all your ways acknowlege Him,

and He shall direct your pathes.

--Proverbs 3:5-6

Reflections

When do you find it easier to turn to

God--when your're suddenly facing a 

huge crisis or as you deal with the

small,daily stuff of life?  Why do you think that is?