Answered Prayer

I’ve been watching the Monarchs flying around the yard all summer waiting for one to light on a flower and stay there long enough for me to capture a photo. Their movement is usually so swift it’s hard to capture, and they would never light on a bloom. I eventually stopped following them because my attempts were futile.

Watching them this morning I thought soon they will migrate, and I won’t see them anymore. Without a second thought I spontaneously said, "Lord please let me get a shot before they leave".

God is faithful...He hears, and He answers. I followed one...it was like he knew what I wanted; or, was he being obedient to the voice of God; he slowed down—and even perched on a bloom; on second look it wasn’t a bloom, it was a leaf. How astounding is that! Even more astounding he allowed me to capture him in an area of the yard that is the least beautiful. Nonetheless, I was excited! To my delight this is what I captured:

God answers even the smallest of prayers...

and teach us lessons in the answer.

1. The swiftness of the butterfly
2. My futile chase
3. Acknowledging my desire to God in a spontaneous request
4. The butterfly cooperating, choosing a barren site to land
5. Lighting on a leaf instead of a bloom
6. I stumble trying to get a closer view but don't fall
7. My eventual victory

What Does God Look Like

What does God look like…

He looks like joy when there’s no reason to be joyful
He looks like peace in the midst of a storm
He looks like praise going up from wherever you are
He looks like strength in your moments of weakness
He looks like power when your strength is gone
He looks like courage when fear is overwhelming
He looks like victory in times of adversity
He looks like compassion caring for a broken heart
He looks like kindness intentional and unintentional
He looks like laughter when sadness reigns
He looks like sacrifice when you want to do your own thing
He looks like justice when you do the right thing
He looks like truth when it’s easier to tell a lie
He looks like honesty when you unveil the beauty hidden under the mask
He looks like forgiveness when you’re too hurt to forgive
He looks like the love of a mother cradling her newborn child
He looks like healing on a grief-stricken face
He looks like the smile of a homeless man when given a hand up to a better place
He looks like mercy abounding with grace
He looks like radiance shining in a believer’s face—wrapped in unconditional love

He is not a color

He is not an economic status

He is not a language

He is joy

He is peace

He is praise

He is strength

He is power

He is courage

He is victory

He is compassion

He is kindness

He is laughter

He is sacrifice

He is justice

He is truth

He is honesty

He is forgiveness

He is love

He is healing

He is a smile

He is mercy

He is grace

He is radiance

What does God look like…He looks like love—unconditional

Comfortable Favorites

You ever want to walk up to someone that’s sitting at your favorite table at your favorite Starbucks and say, "excuse me, you’re sitting at my table" all the while smiling politely. That’s how I feel right now, that lady is in my favorite place. 😏

I keep watching for her to leave so I can grab my spot.

With that said we often get stuck in comfortable places. God says branch out, I can bring you comfort in new places.

As I was writing that last sentence I looked up and the lady had been replaced by a couple. When did she leave?! Now I’m forced to stay in this new spot since I didn’t grab my opportunity to get my favorite one back.

Do I like this new spot...not really, it’s not comfortable or familiar; the view is different, the feel is not the same. Is that a bad thing? Probably not. It’s a new experience in the same place with a different perspective. I’m sure there is a lesson in this and could be considered a God moment.

Strange thing...this is the second time this has happened, in separate locations (I have several favorite Starbucks locations with a favorite spot in each one).

The couple finally left and I ceased my opportunity to get my spot, and guess what...it feels good to be home.

Moral: What feels good to you feels good to others too...share the comfort.