The Hand of God

Have you ever had a time in your life where you looked up to heaven and asked God to help?...If I asked the virtual world to raise their hands, I guarantee that all hands would be up right now. We have all had times in our lives where we have asked, begged, pleaded, groaned and even cried for help. Now, another question? How many times, after that petition has taken place, have any of you actually been blessed to have Christ Himself appear in front of you to take care of the problem? This time I could ask the virtual world to raise their hands and I doubt very many hands would be up. You know, you always have those very few out there that have had some kind of experience. The point is that this sort of manifestation is not how God usually answers prayer... right? It would be nice, but I know that I have not ever had that happen to me.

No, when I am needing help the most God usually helps me in a different way. His help usually comes in the form of another flesh and blood human being. It is during those times in my life that I need His help the most that a phone call, or an email, or an actual person comes across my path just at the right time. I look back in my life and see the changes that have taken place (no not in the mirror) in my attitude, my maturity, and my spirit and usually see the hand or hands of those that Christ had place around me that contributed to that growth. Whether it be the years that I grew up at home, those that I loved in college, my wife, my children, or those placed in my path at different stages of my life I can see the Hand of God caring for me through them.

I believe (and it may just be me) that we take these people that God has given us for granted most of the time. Sure, we stay in touch from time to time but do we really do what it takes to "stay in touch"? I don't know, maybe I am getting older (or just do not have very many friends) but I am becoming very aware of the need that I (and I think that we all have this need) have for FRIENDSHIP. We live in a crazy world; a world that looks as if it could fall apart at any moment. All you have to do is turn on the T.V. and see the insanity. Parents killing children, children killing children, drug abuse, actors and actresses (the people our children look up to) no longer calling Hollywood home but the nearest rehab facility. We need eachother more than ever. We need to know that through the haze that this world brings God is still on His throne. There is no better place to know His presence than to suround ourselves with the people that He has placed in our lives.

Sure, we all like to think that we have it all together and that we "don't need anybody" but I dont buy it anymore. We need each other, because if we lose eachother then we lose the very gift that God has given us to remind us that He will never "leave us or forsake us". You and the people that God has given to you are the Hand of God to each other.

One last question, how long has it been since you have really told someone that they are a very important part of your life? So, I end this post with a thank you. Thank you to all of those out there that inspite of me being me have still made an effort to be my friend. Thank you for being the Hand of God for me. I have come to a very important understanding.....I need you.