“Come see what I found!” our middle-school neighbor called to us the other day. Steve and I had just pulled into the driveway from doing errands.
We joined Emmie under their tall oak tree; she pointed to a fat,three-inch caterpillar slowly making his way up the trunk. It was the Hungry Caterpillar and he’d discovered steroids!
“Do you know what kind of moth or butterfly he’ll become?” I asked.
“Yeah. I looked him up on the internet. He’s an Antheraea Polyphemus. He’ll turn into a moth with big eyes on his wings.”
Even though the metamorphosis of caterpillar to moth is a common occurrence, the process is still a miracle–a special revelation of God’s creative genius and power.
As I studied that chubby green fellow lumbering up the tree, I marveled again:
Of course, God’s astounding works are not limited to creation. Supernatural manifestations of his divine power occur all around us. Frequently.
Examples include those times when:
Events coincide to produce a glorious result.
My friend, K, was visiting from out of town, and we decided to get our hair done together. At the time, my hairdresser’s son was dealing with a medication addiction, and K was able to speak with M from experience, about dealing with an addiction of a family member. M was so grateful for K’s wisdom. “God sent you here today!” she said to my friend as tears welled up in her eyes.
The impossible is made possible.
I thought I lost my watch at the Atlanta Airport. It turned up in my carry-on bag in the outside pocket. I’m quite sure God picked it up and put it there! Granted, some would call it a coincidence. Most of you know what I call it: a God-incidence.
A need is not just met, but supplied beyond what we’d even thought of.
The church my husband pastored for ten years awarded a number of scholarships each year to students furthering their education. They provided our son a full scholarship to seminary. He’s been a pastor now for six years.
Perfect, surprise blessings seem to fall from heaven itself.
In the 1980s our church enjoyed the ministry of an outstanding music director. However, Diane’s husband was transferred less than two years later and sadly, they had to move.
Fast forward twenty years. Steve was pastor of a different church on the other side of the state. When we needed a music minister, guess who applied?! Diane and her husband lived just to the north. Soon we were enjoying her creativity, passion, and expertise—all over again!
Sure disaster doesn’t materialize.
I pulled Steve’s new car into a parking space at a strip mall, so proud of driving his stick shift with no frog-jumps. Imagine my surprise, upon returning to the lot to discover the car had rolled across the aisle! I’d forgotten to set the brake. But the car sat in its new spot as if that were the space I’d pulled into—albeit backwards. One more God-incidence that filled me with wonder.
And wonder is a perfect gateway to worship.
* * * * * * * * * *
I praise you, O Father, for the countless miracles you perform, demonstrating your gracious compassion and the splendor of your glory. How awesome are your deeds on our behalf. Contemplation of your astounding works makes me giddy with joy!
(Psalm 77:11; Job 5:9; Psalm 66:5b; Psalm 92:4)
What sign or wonder provides a gateway to worship for you? Please share in the comment section!
(Art & photo credits: www.bugguide.net; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.pinterest.com (3).
From the Inside Out 
Cannot begin to marvel at how often God uses me as a Stephen Minister or Lay Servant in situations I never would have expected and is always there guiding my words or actions.
Oh yes, praise God for his wisdom, graciously expressed through the words and actions of you Stephen Ministers. Marvelous indeed! Thanks for stopping by the blog and taking the time to comment. SO good to see the two of you a couple of weeks ago!
Love this Nancy. Roger & I talked just this morning about God’s noticing how we need him….and then bringing to our minds that it was him being ever mindful of our dependence on him. I love the way he meets us at our point of need…..even in small things. Praise! That’s what we give him this day.
AMEN to exulting in God’s provision–even in the small things. I’m praising God with you, Shirley!
Nancy – My children are the wonders that point me to Jesus. Their curiosity, joy, and unconditional love teach me so much about God’s goodness. I’d surely miss so many things He wants to show me if it weren’t for the opportunity to see things through the eyes of my children.
You are so right, Emily. I remember experiencing the same expanded awareness when our three children were young. God used their wonder of everything in creation, their questions and observations about life to teach me many lessons. Once when my son had been naughty AGAIN and was sitting in the timeout chair I said to him, “It would be so much easier if you would just obey!” God used my own words to speak to ME!
Nancy, God keeps giving me the strength and wisdom to continue the Caregiver’s Support Groups. I was just mentioning to Sunday School class how bad circumstances can lead us to blessings. God keeps sending caregivers for support. Pray you and Steve are doing well.
I’m SO glad you’ve been able to carry on that vital ministry, Laura. Praise God for his strength and wisdom and your willingness to press on. I know that you are blessing many people–caregivers, their charges, their families and friends. Your encouragement and example provide a far-reaching ripple effect, my friend!
Oh, it’s always the creatures that make me breathless with wonder. And what a glorious masterpiece your young neighbor found! I love this piece, my friend. I never thought of wonder as being a gateway to worship. Beautifully said!
Thank you, Rebeca. Breathless wonder over God’s glorious masterpieces–such delight for the heart, yes?
Wonder is the perfect gateway to worship. wonderful quote. Great inspirational stories here to lift the soul. Thanks I needed some uplifting today. You made my evening.
What a delight to be able to make your evening, Jean! As for the quote, praise God for his inspiration.
As my Mom deals with different situations since Dad passed last month…the Lord has been looking out for us. We almost got conned by a man with a sincere and honest face whom we were going to hire to cut down some trees. God ‘told’ my Mom to check it out with a family friend; as it turns out that man would have been cheating Mom out of some income that can be made from these trees. The Wisdom of the Lord at work.
Oh, praise God for his intervention on behalf of your mom! And thank you, Cheri, for this heartwarming example of his compassionate care.