Majesty Revealed

But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.  Acts 7:55

“Lord, there are so many times you quietly reveal yourself to me.  At times I miss the chance to see and glorify you while other times I realize the moment is very special.  Thank you for finding ways to communicate with me and showing me your full glory. Amen”

Each time I go play golf – which I’m fairly new at and definitely very terrible at – I say a prayer thanking God for the opportunity to enjoy this thing called “Creation.”  I ask for Him to help me remember that I “get to play golf” rather than it being some awful task that I’m being drug into.  Because if you’ve ever tried learning something new you know there’s a steep learning curve which can bring you to the point of wondering why you ever embarked on the journey!

The other day not only did God bless me with meeting three new golf friends but He revealed Himself to us on the second hole of the course.  And it gave me the opportunity to proclaim His glory to strangers.

At the green of the first hole, I noticed two large hawks hopping along the ground near the tee for the second hole.  I pointed it out to my new friends and we interrupted our putting to stop and notice the unusual sight.  And when we had finished there, we drove over to the next tee.  When we all arrived, I looked over to a post located maybe 4 yards away and there sitting majestically was one of the large hawks.  It was at least 2 ½ feet tall.  Just sitting and watching us.  I have never been that close to a wild hawk before because they are a bit skittish.  I gasped and pointed to the hawk and we all stood there and stared. He/She was stunning and slightly scary looking with its large beak and talons. And I realized God was reminding me of my prayer.  To not take playing golf too seriously that I don’t notice the beauty of His creation.  I found myself, amongst these strangers crying out loud, “Glory to God!”  And then he flew off.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7

I certainly hope I never am in a situation like the disciple Stephen – being stoned to death.  In his terrible demise, God helped him take his eyes off the pain and suffering and lifted them to the glorious scene of God and Jesus.  Friend, it doesn’t matter if you are just going through the motions of life or you’ve found yourself in a stressful, painful situation, God will reveal Himself to you.  Seek Him and you will find Him.