In a little while the world will see Me no longer, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live too.   John 14:19 HCSB

Have you ever noticed how the world seems to be oblivious to Jesus. The world seems to go about ignoring His existence and wondering why things get worse and worse. Now when I refer to the world I am referring to those that are lost.

Our scripture passage today is Jesus talking with his disciples between the time of His resurrection and His ascension into heaven to reign with God the Father. I am always amazed at how applicable these words from thousands of years ago are today. When I read this passage, the truth hit me like a ton of bricks. I don’t know about you, but I become agitated with non-Christians. Right, there, I said it.  I become agitated with people that just don’t get it. But then God quickly reminds me of the days that I just didn’t get it. He reminds me of the times that I left Him out of the equation and tried to do things my way. I laugh at those times now to avoid crying. How foolish I was to think that I had any control or any power. How foolish I was to leave the Master of the universe out of my plans.  How foolish I was to try to do things my way.

People often ask in the wake of a tragedy, where is God in all of this? Well, my friend, that’s the problem, He isn’t. People don’t hurt or kill other people because they are focused on God.  People hurt or kill other people, because they are focused on themselves. When we focus on ourselves, we give the devil an opportunity to creep into our lives. We are all given free will to sin if that’s what we choose to do. Sadly, our sin does not occur in a vacuum. Sin causes people to get hurt. Today, thousands of years later after Jesus made this statement the truth still holds. The world just doesn’t see Him. The lost in this world go about their day to day activity thinking they are in charge of their lives. What a terrible burden they carry. I know because I have carried that burden.

I am so thankful that I finally got wise enough to give that burden over to Him. I am so thankful that I was able to see Him and trust Him to work all things out for my good (Romans 8:28). I am so thankful that I finally understood that when I focus on Him and do what He has called me to do that He takes good care of me (Matthew 6:33-34).

But today, my friend, I ask do you see Him? Do you see Him in everything you do? Do you see Him as you marvel at the planet and how things work? Do you see Him in your children and all that is good and beautiful around you?

When we fail to focus on God, this gives the devil a crack where he can slip in and take over. This gives the devil an opportunity to distract us. It’s so easy to get caught up in what’s wrong with everything and everyone, but when we focus on God and the good things that he provides it puts our minds at ease. When we focus on what is right and what is pure and let God take care of what is wrong, then we know that it will be handled the right way.

So, I ask you, do you see Him? Jesus tells us in our scripture passage that we will see Him and we will live because He lives. When we are alive in Christ, others see it too.  Those that are lost and suffering see that we have something that they don’t have. They see that we have a peace that passes all understanding. They see that we have peace and joy even in trying times.

My prayer today is that everyone on this planet will see Him.  If you don’t see Him, I pray that you will. I spent years not seeing Him and I can tell you that my life is so much better now that I not only see Him, but focus on Him.

Have a great day!