PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 17:24-34
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him,
though he is not far from any one of us.” (Acts 17:27)
God works behind the scenes, directing circumstances to get our attention.
God does not force us to respond, but neither are we left on our own.
It is interesting to me that Paul quotes two pagan philosophers (v.28).
It reminds me of the Magi, how God used their pagan religion to draw them to Jesus.
God is the Creator, and uses creation to point and draw people back.
Creation is a work of art, that leads people to see the Artist (Romans 1:20).
This gives me hope for people who have not met Jesus yet; he is still working on them.
God comes to us in Jesus to win us back, to make things right, to show us the way.
The Lord does not want anyone to perish and is always working to open their hearts.
He is not far from ANYONE, including those who deny that God’s existence.
My own life experiences are also being used by the Lord in this way.
Conversations with others, life lessons, opportunities or tragedies…
Every experience has divine fingerprints on it, to help us sense our need for God.
Can you sense how Jesus is directing your life, to show you your need for God?
PRAYER
Lord, thank you that You do not give up on anyone. And thank you for always reminding me to come back when I start to head out on my own. I need you Lord, I want you!
The built in desire to find God: “God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him”. This desire gets squelched especially under prosperity – who needs God people say! We all do. We can’t save ourselves. Once we recognize that – we seek the God we need – to reach out to him. Turns our He was reaching out to me – God found me and now I am his. Sure not always faithful – but I love Him and I want to serve Him. I have found Him!
This is my Father’s world. It is through Him that we/I have my being – alive by His creation. His creation also speaks of His power and majesty for all to see if we but have open eyes. I am alive only through Him. True life is only a possibility when I serve Him. All others are dead men walking. I need Him every hour. Help me daily Lord to see you.
I need Thee every hour
Most gracious Lord
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford
I need Thee, O I need Thee
Every hour I need Thee
O bless me now, my Savior
I come to Thee
I need Thee every hour
Stay Thou nearby
Temptations lose their power
When Thou art nigh
I need Thee, O I need Thee
Every hour I need Thee
O bless me now, my Savior
I come to Thee