For a few weeks, we’re taking a look at “building blocks for soul growth. Today’s topic is building block “C”, for Connection.
Today’s scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Kristin Herrmann):
There are times in my life when God feels so distant and aloof. I wonder if this is when we are given opportunity to see God in a different shade. My eyes tend to be focused on one color, one view, or one perspective.
In the movie Pursuit of Happyness, Will Smith’s son tells his dad an obvious joke that I have heard from children many times. The four year old boy relays a story of a man who was stranded by tragedy. The stranded man prays passionately for God’s help. A plane comes by to offer the man a ride, but the man declines the offer stating, “God will save me.” A boat comes by with an offer to help and the stranded man states, “No thanks, God will save me.” The man eventually dies and meets God asking, “God, I prayed to you many times and you never saved me!” To this, God states, “I sent a plane and a boat!”
Unfortunately, the man was unable to see that God was in the boat and the plane. (Interesting that God didn’t give up the first time and tried both!) The stranded man had his sights on only one way at looking for God. Yet through the tragic event, was God trying to convey himself in another hue? Tragic events have a way of doing that.
God can come in many human forms. God can even come to us through those that we would least accept or expect. Maybe this is why relationships are so important. We tend to focus on relationships within the subcultures in which we exist, or choose to form, and disassociate with those that aren’t like us. Could God be in the person with whom we wouldn’t normally associate?
Relationship is foundational to God’s character. God is in us. We are the hands and feet of God. If we don’t form relationships with the people God brings our way — no matter how “unlikely” we may think they are — we may miss the boat (or plane).
Thought for the day: Where is God? God is here, in us. When I can’t see God, maybe I need to change my point of view. “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4.12 You can do your 2017 Soul Care Plan here: 2017 Soul Care Plan
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.