Helping Someone See God

The LORD looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. Psalm 14:2 (NLT2)

The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.  2 Chronicles 16:9 (NLT2)

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.  I will be found by you,” says the LORD.  Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NLT2)

There's an old prank that the 3 Stooges used to do.   One of them would scream, "I can't see, I can't see!"  Then with great concern another would ask, "Why, what happened?"  Then the first one would say calmly, "I had my eyes closed!"   

I have found that one of the most difficult things to do is help someone see God.   Expecially when they are going through a difficult situation and can't see God in the midst of it.  It took me a while to truly grasp why, when people look for God, they can't find Him.   It's not because they have their eyes closed.  They are truly looking.   But they are not looking so much for God in their situation, they are looking for God to change the situation.   The two are completely separate from each other.   The situation has nothing to do with seeing God.  I can see Him in any situation.   I just need to look for Him and not a way out. 

If you know someone who is struggling with seeing God today, try to help them shift their focus from their situation to the One who is bigger than their situation.   It will be a difficult task and you may probably fail more often than you succeed, but the peace that comes over someone when they begin to see God is well worth your effort!   You will know it has happened when they begin to receive the strength and the renewed hope found only in the presence of God!