EL ROI…THE GOD WHO SEES ME

Eyes Open to His Love

BY LISA HATHAWAY

The vastness of God’s love continues to blow my mind. I often wonder that I’m still amazed by all God does—His control and generosity should no longer take me by surprise. More often now, I find myself saying, “Of course He did.” Intentionally, I strive to see God in everything that happens, which keeps me in the posture of awe. When we remain expectant of what He will do, we will never lose that childlike wonder. And it never gets old to see how God shows up in the most amazing ways.

One overwhelming aspect of God’s love is that the God of the universe SEES you and me.

No matter what we are walking through—no matter the struggles, battles, sadness, grief, trauma, and even beautiful things—He sees us! He knows and calls you by name. He orchestrates and oversees your challenges to increase your faith. And through our hardships, He allows us to show the world our Christian response. Will we choose to glorify God or choose to complain? It is human nature, and the devil’s call, for us to constantly complain about how hard life is, but being kingdom-minded can change our perspective. Remembering that God is with us, sees us, and is working through each circumstance gives us a godly perspective and allows us to walk boldly through the storms of life. And how we walk shines a light on God’s glory for all the world to see.

WHEN I LOOK AT THE MORNING SKY AND SEE THE SUNRISE THAT IS ONLY FROM MY HEAVENLY FATHER, MY SPIRIT IS REMINDED THAT HIS MERCIES ARE NEW EVERY DAY.

When I look at the morning sky and see the sunrise that is only from my heavenly Father, my spirit is reminded that His mercies are new every day. Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV) says, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." His steadfast love for us is breathtaking. It gives us His purpose for our lives.

Keep your eyes open, intentionally looking to see God. He is present in all things around us. When we walk through some of the hardest things in life, He is there. Our flesh rises to tell us that we will not get through this storm, but God whispers in our ear, “Just walk. Walk in me. I have all this figured out for you. It is not yours to figure out.” He will not leave us or forsake us. God is planting us in the rich soil of His love, but it’s our choice if we choose to be watered and fed by Him. And trust me when I tell you, there is nothing better than the love of God.

The history of His faithfulness sustains us, teaching us that we can depend on Him no matter our circumstances—because we have seen it come to pass. Psalm 42:6 (MSG) says, "When my soul is in the dumps, I rehearse everything I know of you." Things might not look how we want or think they should be, but God is the ultimate author of our story. And His ways are so much better than ours. It’s up to us to trust Him in ALL things. So, stand firm in His love, and He will guide you. Walk in His YES! God sees you and knows you—every ounce of you. He created you from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. How beautiful is His creation! Breathe in His goodness. Breathe in His love for you. See His hand in your life.

See God for who He is—because He sees exactly who you are and who He created you to be.

Lisa Hathaway resides in Lexington, NC, with her husband, Everett, and their children. As a special needs mom, breast cancer survivor, and survivor of a tragic car accident, suffering has been intertwined in her story, and she yearns for others to experience God’s sweetness through their difficulties. Lisa has an MBA and is pursuing her Clinical and Mental Health Counseling degree. She works at The Oaks Therapeutic Community and is an integral part of the WWL leadership team.