Interrupted By God

Interrupted By God

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There have been days that we put one foot in front of the other getting things done. We become so focused on the intensity of life that we miss precious “God moments.” Sometimes we are just so busy we miss hearing His still small voice altogether. There are times we forget that our circumstances aren’t as important as our purpose. Often it is in the midst of our greatest challenges that God’s purposes are accomplished.

It seems that intense busyness or hardship is not a new phenomenon but an age-old challenge.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer addressed our focus on daily living.

“We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God….we must not…assume that our schedule is our own to manage, but allow it to be arranged by God.”

-Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Too often we get caught up in the busyness of life.  There is the to-do list, work requirements, kids, grandkids, school, commitments etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.  For me it is so easy to get caught up, swept away with life that I sometimes forget to let God interrupt me.

It is a process of intentionally allowing ourselves or requiring ourselves to be willing to be interrupted and see some human needs around us.  Matthew helps put perspective on the whole topic of our time and purpose, that of being “salt and light” even in the midst of very hectic lives.

“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:13-16 The Message (MSG)

It is not just that we believe in God; it is that we purpose to live for God that gives texture and meaning to our lives.  A W Tozer put it this way; “Preach the Gospel at all times and when absolutely necessary use words.” We need to be in the business of walking out the Gospel, as Matthew says, “Bringing out the God-colors in the world…be generous with your lives.”  All of these men are speaking about the heart, the attitude, the disposition of our continence and speech. We are to reflect God not think we are God.

I find that when I intentionally look outside myself starting when I open my eyes; when I ask God for opportunities to be His hands and feet, “carry the water” so to speak for someone else; then I am always amazed at the opportunities that come along. It is as simple as stopping in the driveway to ask the neighbor how their ill father is doing, instead of just heading out and yet being genuinely concerned. I’m often concerned but don’t take the time to stop and reach out.

In speaking with a friend that works in a medium-sized office, we were talking about her purpose and how she reaches out to those around her.  She really didn’t completely realize, her impact on the young people in her office but considered how she guides them on ethics and values by her way of working and giving guidance when they ask.

In AA and other support groups, there is an underlying principle that is the key to healthy, happy, and vibrant recovery: Service, sharing their experience, strength, and hope. It is something that is needed everywhere we go; serving, sharing experience, strength and hope to lift and encourage someone else; in so doing they gain even more than they give.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer put it this way; “In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” Bonhoeffer’s life like many of us wasn’t always easy. He understood one thing for which he was willing to die.

God’s love and grace were immeasurable. The need to reflect that love and grace to affect the world in which we live was our God-given purpose.

When you wake up each morning ask God to give you an opportunity to reach out and make a difference in someone’s’ life; you’ll be glad you did.