Devotional 11-29-20

“Looking back, I could really see God at work in that situation.”  

Have you ever heard someone say this?  Has it happened to you?  It has to me.  Occasionally, if I have my eyes and heart open, I am able to see God at work in current situations.   I was blessed with such an encounter while working on Johnson Memorial’s 150th Anniversary book.  

The book started with Frank Hanshaw’s detailed outline of possible subjects to be included.  The 150th Anniversary celebration committee then considered the names of folks who might be willing to write about a particular subject.  God certainly was at work during that time, as every person who was asked to write said “yes.”   One person answered our call for writing volunteers and her submission included material that was used as the introduction for an entire section, not just her writing.  Again, God at work.

As for the editors, one volunteered and I learned that her work life had involved advertising, which provided invaluable experience for this project. A former English teacher, a journalism major and an attorney all said “yes” when asked to help.  My husband, a meticulous note taker, was already involved. Each person brought something different to the table, all of which was needed.  The dedication, thoroughness and patience shown during this part of the project was amazing.  When we started the editing process, we didn’t know that, in one week alone, the group would spend eleven hours on conference calls reviewing every word that had been written.   Again, the team
God put together for this part of the project was a blessing and gift.

Finally, the volunteer who prepared the material for publishing was another of God’s provisions. She took our general idea and turned it into a beautiful cover.  She formatted text, edited pictures and rearranged things when the editors had another idea or changed their minds.  Was God at work here?  Definitely!  And, I was blessed to be a part of the entire process!

Where can you see God at work?  

Advent – a time of preparation for His arrival – provides us time to look.  We have the advantage of knowing the first part of the story – His Son’s birth.  We have faith and confidence in the rest of the story that God promises – the second coming of Christ.  Where are you seeing God’s work now, today?

The Lectionary for this week includes Mark 13:24 – 37, in which Jesus tells of his return.  Verses 32-33 state, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.  Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” (NIV) 
Reverend J. W. Johnson, for whom our church is named, took Jesus’ words to heart.  In 1890, Reverend Johnson participated in a Masonic initiation ritual, which he’d planned to complete.  However, he suffered an accident and was severely injured.  Johnson had experienced God’s work in his life and was ready to meet Him.  In speaking with the men gathered around his stretcher, he “urged upon them the importance of always being ready, for none knew when the summons would come.” *  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Son and for the work that you do daily.  We pray that you’ll continue to open our eyes so that we may recognize Your touch on the world each day.  Help us to prepare our hearts for your arrival.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

* Cincinnati Enquirer, January 14, 1890

Shelly Shideler