Day 16 of 50

READING GUIDE:

• Read today's devotion below.
• During days 15-21 (at your own pace) read chapters 7 thru 10 from Joining Jesus on His Mission.
• After days 15-21, meet with your small group and follow the back-of-the-book discussion guide for SESSION 3

"You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord..." (Jeremiah 29:13-14)

A finding God story from yesterday...

My wife, Amy, couldn't get her car started yesterday morning. I came home earlier that afternoon and took a look. After a few tries I managed to get it started, but I thought I should probably drive it over to our mechanic to test the battery. I was blessed to get the car there before the shop closed. 

While waiting for a new battery to be installed, I had the chance to talk with the front desk person, Sammy. Sammy has been working there for 6 months. She has a lot of personality and was easy to talk to. She was telling me how much she loved her job and the owners. I asked, "How did you get the job? Did you already have a connection with the owners?" She replied, "I love cars and had been dreaming for awhile about working in this field. Then one day, I just happened to be driving by the shop, when I had a feeling I needed to pull in. I walked in the door and introduced myself. The next day my phone rang and I got the job!" (Interesting to note: the shop wasn't advertising a job opening.)

When Sammy said that she had this feeling that she needed to pull into the shop, my spiritual radar went right off! At this moment I was paying attention. I clearly saw God doing something in Sammy's life. I replied, "Wow, to me that is one of those God moments. I work for the church and I believe that God purposefully meant for you to walk in this place to be blessed with this job." She replied, "Ya!" She didn't respond too much more on the God part but her posture was positive and we talked a bunch more afterwards.

Finke writes in chapter 7, "So, how do we seek, recognize and respond to what Jesus is already doing in the lives of the people we are enjoying? We start paying attention to what is already being shown us."

Some back story...the owners of this auto shop are Christians whom I've known for about 6 years. They proudly display a corkboard in the lobby (which Sammy would face every working day) with pictures/words conveying the message of how Jesus is the most important thing in their lives. Funny thing, while waiting I noticed a Christian magazine called Good News in the magazine rack.

No doubt that the owners are already witnessing their faith to Sammy and enjoying life with her. I hope God used me and, as a regular customer, will continue to use me in whatever way to join them, as we all join Jesus on His mission.

What will be your story today? 

Pay attention. 

Expect to see God in action.

He is on the move all around us working in the lives of all we encounter.