Closer Than You Think #380

Closer Than You Think #380

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My wife loves creating scavenger hunts and clue games for our grandchildren. She is the master at turning simple moments into fun experiences. We also love watching them play hide-and-seek. One will count to ten with their eyes covered while the others scatter and find their hiding spots. Then the search begins. You’ll hear the seeker call out, “Ready or not, here I come,” followed by that familiar question, “Where are you?” Each one will keep searching until the last cousin is found. As you would expect, though, usually there’s one hiding who jumps out and says, “Here I am,” before they’re found.

Isn’t our faith journey sometimes similar? Some moments feel like we are searching for God, pleading in frustration, “Where are You?” We pray, we wait, and when we hear nothing, we wonder if He is even there. We may even ask, “Do you see me?” But just because God feels silent to you doesn’t mean He is absent. In fact, Jesus’ response to Nathanael in John 1:48 proves it: “I saw you.” Jesus reminded Nathanael, before he believed, that He had seen him. In one conversation, Nathanael’s life was forever changed. Truth is, Christ Jesus sees you, too.

You remember in Genesis 3:9 when God calls out to Adam, “Where are you?” It wasn’t because God didn’t know Adam’s location, or they were playing hide-and-seek. It was simply an invitation, in three words, for Adam to stop hiding. Later, God spoke to Samuel as he lay down and heard his name called. He answered, “Here I am.” God looked for both men, but got two different responses. One hid in the bushes, and the other responded in three words.

Maybe you face a similar situation right now. You’re saying, “Where are you, God?” but instead, He’s asking, “Where are you?” Is it time to ask yourself if you are hiding behind busyness, distractions, or even past mistakes? Or maybe you’re walking on a path that’s all about what you. Or are you keeping your distance when God is actually inviting you closer? The truth is, you know it. The gut feeling that won’t go away is calling you out of the bushes or asking you to get up. God may be reminding you that He’s closer than you think. But the real question is, are you?

So here’s my challenge for you. Take a moment today and stop searching outward. Get quiet. Step away from the distractions. And instead of asking God where He is, say to Him, “Here I am, Lord.” That’s it, keep it simple, don’t ask to be sent yet, just be honest about where you’ve been hiding. Admit to what has been keeping you distant. Then take one step back toward Him. Like opening His Word or spending a few minutes in prayer, because any step matters as long as you re-engage in the relationship that you’ve drifted from.

This is not a game of hide-and-seek with you and God. He already sees you. He knows you and is still looking for you. And He is waiting for you to step out and be found. Will you?

Visit lighthouselegacies.com for help in living a generational legacy. Also, check out the Living Your Legacy Podcast.