As much as I talk about looking for God at work, I am still blown away by his presence. It really is the small, often unnoticeable events that speak the loudest. It is as if God paints a picture that could not be replicated, even if we tried. As creative as we are, we receive our creativity from the Creator – and he is simply amazing. We still have so much to learn.
Yesterday, it was another rainy day. I was driving to work, focusing on the road ahead. I glanced in my rearview mirror and saw something that was unexpected. I saw a vivid, beautiful rainbow. Looking ahead, all I saw was rain and maybe a slight break in the clouds. But looking in the mirror, I saw a painting that fascinated me. I could make out all the colors, so bright and vibrant. I could see the magnificence as the rainbow arched high into the clouds, seemingly endless. I tried my best to focus on the drive, but this sight continued to capture my attention. Knowing that it was something that can only be experienced for a moment, I did my best to take it in. This welled up thoughts of gratefulness in my heart.
There are a few things I noticed about this moment. I could have easily missed it if I was focused only on the rain. If I only saw the dreariness of the day, I would have missed the brilliance that was just around the corner. If I was stuck in the despair, I could have missed the joy. It was right there for me, but I had to actually see it. I had to take a moment and see what was right beside me. What I focus on really does make a difference. There can be rain but there can also be a rainbow.
I also noticed that occurrences which happen often can still take our breath away. This isn’t the first rainbow, nor will it be the last. But this one appeared just when I needed it. This one spoke to me at a moment when a sign of hope was the needed message. It was the right painting at the right time. But I had to see past the regularity and see the extraordinary. Rainbows happen, but they can still surprise.
Where is God working today that might surprise you if you just look? What might God be speaking in the ordinary? How might he change your day from rain to promise? His presence is all around us if we just take a moment to notice. May he shock and surprise you with his goodness today.
Focus Scripture:
Genesis 9:12-16
12 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: 13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. 16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”
Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery. Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery
SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY 