“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 