Chapter
10
God-Moments are life markers
....see and believe them for His goodness intent
What is a "God-moment"?
The term "God-moment" is not found in the Bible, but the concept is scripturally sound. ....For our discussion, we'll define a "God-moment" as an intimate, unique, or uncommon experience that helps us see that God is at work in our lives. It might be an answered prayer, a sudden revelation, a chance encounter, ....or a sea-parting miracle. It's what God does to show His goodness, kindness, ....grace in our lives, ....perhaps when we need it most!
In truth, every second of a believer’s life is a God moment ....because “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 NLT). God’s plan for our good is ceaselessly in operation. He is always present, proving Himself faithful and true.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me!
— Psalm 139:17-18 NLT
....and....
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord.
— Jeremiah 29:11-14 NLT
What is a "Life Marker"?
The term "Life Marker" denotes an event or "happening of significance" in one's life to be remembered ....and celebrated. They can be common transition points we take from one stage in life to another, ....such as one's birth and following birthdays, graduation, marriage, retirement, ....and you can add to this list. Generally, we celebrate such Life Markers each year on our journey through life.
When God-Moments are Life Markers
And then, ....sometimes Life Marker "happenings" are so personal, ....so amazing, ....so God, ....we value them as "God-Moments". Such events change our lives, .......and we are never the same again!
The spectrum of God-Moments — whether big or small moments — is as wide and deep as creative God chooses, ....when He does something in your life to help you, ....encourage you, ....protect you, ....turn you around and change your life! Sometimes they are hoped for, ....prayed for, ....and sometimes a total surprise.
When we "see" Life Markers for His intent in our lives, they become cherished God-Moments! ....And we mark them in our calendars ....to be remembered. Such were these God-Moments in my life....
Roger 1968 — changed my life, ....woke me up and I stopping coasting
Roger 1982 — encouraged me, ....knowing He was already in my future
Roger 2023 — protected Maggie and me, saving us from certain death
But before we get there, let's talk about these God-Moments....
Naaman — expectations exceeded, a life changed forever
Peter — restored relationship with Christ, another life changed forever
And before that ....SMILE, ....let's talk about Jesus healing a blind man. Its a God-Moment changing another life forever! Here's the story from Luke 18....
Another life changed....
As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road. When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was going by. So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
“Be quiet!” the people in front yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him. As the man came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Lord,” he said, “I want to see!”
And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too.
— Luke 18:35-43 NLT
Do we feel the beggar's committed heart, decided hope ....for Jesus' help?
....He said, “Lord, I want to see!” ....And Jesus said, "Your faith has healed you."
This miracle brings to mind a good book I read a few years ago titled, "The Traveler's Gift". About a "committed heart", the author writes....
"Most people fail at whatever they attempt because of an undecided heart. Should I? Should I not? Go forward? Go back? Success requires the emotional balance of a committed heart. When confronted with a challenge, the committed heart will search for a solution. The undecided heart searches for an escape.
"A committed heart does not wait for conditions to be exactly right. Why? Because conditions are never exactly right. Indecision limits the Almighty and His ability to perform miracles in your life. He has put the vision in you — proceed! To wait, to wonder, to doubt, to be indecisive is to disobey God."
— "The Traveler's Gift" by Andy Andrews, page 86
Kinda leads us to an obvious question, doesn't it. Each of us must answer (especially me, since I'm writing this)....
Do we have a committed and decided heart for a
life-changing, ....long-term relationship with God?
The blind man ignored opposition, ....his commitment decided!
“Be quiet!” the people in front yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Do we shout?....
...............
Okay, I'm stopping here for a moment. Got to be transparent. ....I love writing this Open Book, having a lot of conversations with Jesus. ....But I don't want to leave this quiet moment ....without looking deeply into my own resolve, my decided heart.
....I'll be back later to continue....
...............
Okay, let's talk about Naaman's "woulda, coulda, shoulda" expectations. ....Because simply trusting and obeying God ....changed his life!
Select next arrow to continue....
*Credits: lighthouse and sea waves photo hung on our office wall for years / Jesus heals blind man anonymous
