Do You See God's Hand in Your Life?

DO YOU SEE JEHOVAH'S HAND IN YOUR LIFE?

What are some reasons why we may not clearly see God's hand in our affairs? Life's challenges can overwhelm us. When this happens, we may forget to keep focused on how Jehovah has already helped us.  When Queen Jezebel threatened the prophet Elijah's life, even Elijah momentarily forgot how God had acted in his behalf. Regarding Elijah, the Bible says:  "He asked that he might die." (1 Kings 19:1-4) What was the solution to Elijah's problem?  He needed to look to Jehovah for encouragement.  -1 Kings 19:14-18. 

Job got so distracted by his own concerns that he neglected to see things from God's viewpoint.  (Job 42:3-6)  Like Job, we too may need to put forth greater effort to see God. How can we do that?  In the light of the Scriptures, we need to meditate on what is happening around us.  As we become aware of how Jehovah supports us, he will become more real to us. Then, like Job, we can say: "My ears have heard about you, but now I do see you with my eyes."

How might we see Jehovah's hand? Here are some examples:  Perhaps you feel that the way you  received the truth was clearly at God's direction. Have you ever attended Christian meetings, heard a part, and said: "That was just what I needed"?  Or you  may have experienced an answer to a prayer. Maybe you decided to expand your ministry and were amazed at how Jehovah helped to work things out for you. Or have you ever experienced leaving a job for spiritual reasons and then seen  the truth of God's promise:  "I will never abandon you"? (Hebrews 13:5) By being spiritually alert, we can discern how Jehovah has helped us in many ways. 

Sarah from Kenya relates this experience:  "I prayed about a student who I felt did not appreciate her Bible study.  I asked Jehovah  if I should stop the study.  Immediately after I said 'Amen,' my phone rang. The Bible student called to ask if she could attend the meeting with me!  I was awestruck!"  By being alert, you too may see ways that God is active in your life. Rhonna, a sister who lives in Asia, says:  "It takes some experience to discern Jehovah's guidance.  But once you do, it's amazing to discover how much interest he has in us!" 

Jesus said:  "Happy are the pure in heart, since they will see God." (Matthew 5:8) How can we be pure in heart"?  We must be clean  on the inside  and stop any wrong conduct.   (Read  2 Corinthians 4:2) As we cultivate stronger spirituality and manifest upright conduct, we put ourselves  among those who can see God. The next article will examine what can help us to perceive Jehovah's influence even more clearly in our life-our faith. 

Next time: "Give Us More Faith"

From The Watchtower magazine