“I am with you always….” – Matthew 28:20

Have you ever prayed for God to do something and then was surprised when He actually did it?  I hate to admit it (from a lack of faith standpoint,) but that happened to me last Friday and it has continued over the weekend, and I am still seeing it today. I serve an awesome God!

So I was praying early Friday morning and happened across this scripture.  And I began to think about the reality that Jesus is with me all the time.  Not just in theory, but really in my presence every minute of the day.  It is a hard concept to wrap my head around.  But I prayed and asked Him to be gracious to me and to let me see Him when He was near so I could begin to understand better.

And then I went in to work.  I had a few things to do there, but was planning an errand for later in the day that I was really looking forward to.  The longer I worked, the stronger I had the sense that I needed to stay there, and forego my errand.  Now, I will be honest, I was really looking forward to leaving that day.  And being a beautiful spring Friday, I didn’t even really want to be there in the first place.  (I know none of you have ever felt this way.  So please don’t judge me for my weakness.)

Long story short, I stayed.  I wandered around and did a few things that seemed inconsequential to me.  But then it happened.  Jesus showed up!

He showed up in the form of a person that I never expected.  I turned a corner and literally almost ran over the person who said, “I am so glad you are here.  Do you have a minute to talk?”  40 minutes and a wonderful conversation later, I could see the presence of Him so clearly, because I heard some things that I definitely needed to hear that day.  Boy am I glad I stayed!  I cannot describe the sacred tone of that conversation, but it was as if He was right there in the room with me.  It was awe-inspiring.

But it didn’t end there.  I have been praying for discernment and wisdom and guidance for my ministry for so long, years in fact.  And God has shown up in the most miraculous way every day this past week.  Through people, readings, prayer, – in so many forms but all pointing me in the same direction.  The messages I have been asking for are coming in abundance.  I serve an incredible God!

So what has changed this week?  Why am I finally getting answers to the questions I have been asking for so long?  I honestly don’t know.  God’s timing is His own business.  However, I do believe this:  when I began asking Jesus (not for answers, not to fix my issues) but to simply help me to experience His presence – I began to see more clearly.  It was like a veil had been lifted from my eyes, and suddenly I could not only see but sense Him all around me; in almost all situations.  I wish I could describe it more accurately, but I really don’t have the words.

Upon reflection, I feel that before my prayers were sort of me focused (help me, show me, etc…)  But these most recent prayers have more Jesus focused (just let me see You…)  I think that has made all the difference.

What do you think friends?  I would love to hear your opinions.

Shalom