There all along

 

 

We headed out into the deep woods.  My husband had brook trout on his mind, his fishing pole in his hand.  My running shoes were tied on, and I was looking forward to a little trail running while he was fishing.

We started at the same point, close to the trailhead.  I walked with him on the trail to where he started down the bank to a placid pool in the river that was calling to him.  I looked for landmarks, a large rock on the side of the trail and an enormous deep-green rhododendron leaning over the path, so that I would know approximately where he started fishing.  

I took off on a run through a sanctuary of trees with a choir of birds worshiping overhead.

When I finished my run, I scoured the wooded banks for the familiar sight of Bill fishing.  I didn't see him.  I followed the river a bit, figuring that he had gone upstream to another fishing hole.  

When we met up later at the car, I said, "I was looking for you all along the trail."

He replied, "You would not have found me.  I was where you could not see me." 

He was there.  Just invisible to me, down amidst the trees, behind the huge boulders, and around the bend.

Even so, God is working in our lives, deeply and profoundly, far beyond what we can see, His Presence dwelling fully and completely in unexpected ways and unlikely places.  Just because I can't comprehend what He is doing, He is still right here with me.  His awe even today.  His vision even in through the chaos.  "This way.  Follow Me."

The work that God is doing may not be evident, and His faithfulness in this particular situation or detail may not be seen for generations.

And even then, just a glimpse.  

God is still working where we cannot see Him.  He does His greatest work that way.  Faith is not just believing He is there, but knowing He is with me all along. 

It may not be obvious at the time, but looking back on our lives -- or even into this day ahead of us-- God reveals Himself in such ways that He cannot be explained away.  Watch for Me.

Your way was through the sea,

Your path through the great waters;

yet

   Your footprints were unseen.

               Psalm 77. 19