Do You See God's Hand in Your Life?

They Saw Jehovah's Hand

In contrast with those wicked kings, others saw God's hand, even though they were in the same situation as those mentioned above.  For example, unlike most of the nations who fought against Israel in Joshua's time, the Gibeonites made peace with Israel. Why?  They said: "Your servants have come . . .out of regard for the name of Jehovah your God, because we have heard about his fame and about all he did. " (Joshua 9:3, 9, 10)  They wisely recognized Israel's backer to be the true God.

Rahab too perceived God's hand in the events of her day. After learning about how Jehovah rescued his people, she told two Israelite spies:  "I do know that Jehovah will give you the land." even though taking such a stand was fraught with danger, she expressed faith that Jehovah could deliver her and her family. -Joshua 2:9-13; 4:23, 24.

Unlike Israel's wicked King Ahab, some Israelites who witnessed Jehovah's response to Elijah's fire test recognized God's hand in matters. When they saw the fire from Jehovah consume the offering, they exclaimed:  "Jehovah is the true God!"   (1 Kings 18:39) To them, that was an obvious conclusion!

Both the positive and the negative examples we have considered help us to understand what it means to see God or to see his hand in matters. As we come to know him, we too can see his hand because we perceive his qualities and actions with "the eyes of [our] heart." (Ephesians 1:18) Surely we  want to be like those past and present who have clearly seen Jehovah supporting his people. Nonetheless, do we really have evidence that God is active in people's lives today? 

Next time: Do You See God's Hand in Your Life? - EVIDENCE OF GOD'S HAND TODAY

From The Watchtower magazine