How can we better recognize and respond to God's work in our daily lives? Walking Beside the Unrecognized Savior “One of them, named Cleopas, asked Him, ‘Are You the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in recent days?’” (Luke 24:18) Cleopas and his companion were talking with Jesus, yet they failed to see who was right in front of them. The scene sets the stage for learning how to notice God’s ongoing work in our own routines. Why We Miss God’s Activity • Preoccupation with personal disappointments (Luke 24:17) • Assuming God only works through spectacular events, not common moments (1 Kings 19:11-13) • Spiritual dullness from neglecting Scripture (Luke 24:25) • Limited expectation of God’s nearness (Psalm 73:23) Sharpening Spiritual Sight 1. Focus on the Word • Jesus opened the Scriptures before He opened their eyes (Luke 24:27,32). • Daily reading trains perception; “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). 2. Invite the Spirit’s Illumination • “Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45). • Pray for the “eyes of your heart to be enlightened” (Ephesians 1:18). 3. Practice Holy Attention • Notice God’s fingerprints in creation (Psalm 19:1). • Watch for providential timing and “coincidences” (Genesis 50:20). 4. Walk in Continuous Fellowship • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart…He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Abide, don’t just visit—carry on an ongoing conversation with Him (John 15:4-5). 5. Cultivate Gratitude • “In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). • Thankfulness sensitizes the heart to fresh mercies (Lamentations 3:22-23). Responding When We Do Recognize Him • Invite Him to stay longer, as the disciples did (Luke 24:29). • Obey promptly—faith becomes sight through action (James 1:22). • Bear witness; they ran to Jerusalem to tell the others (Luke 24:33-35). • Worship and give glory (Luke 24:52-53; Colossians 3:17). Encouragement for Daily Living God is always at work—“My Father is always at His work to this very day” (John 5:17). Today, look for Jesus on your own road, welcome His voice through Scripture, and let each recognition draw out immediate, joyful obedience. |
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