So often we can walk day in and day out without really stopping and reflecting on the what God has done that day.  Whether something tiny or a huge work, God is alive and moving in and thru us.  There must be some amazing things He is working but sometimes we miss it. We think we have complete ownership and control over everything we do - even to a point where we unknowingly actually control God’s work and hand in our lives.  We say “well at this time, I will talk to God.” What if He wants to speak now?  On Sunday, I’ll worship Him and repent for my sin.  If all creation is constantly praising God, then why should we wait for one day to worship, it should be daily, right?!  If we callous our eyes to such a point where we limit or do not wait, be still, and dwell for just a moment on who God is, then I believe that we will miss out on recognizing His hand in our lives!  How exciting when you give God credit for everything each day, lay all of your cares and worries at His feet and trust Him. When we are spiritually aware and actually looking for what He is doing, there is such a difference.  What joy, excitement, and great anticipation resides in our heart with this attitude.  I am the first to say that there are days I don’t walk this in tune with what God is speaking, how He is moving, and what He is doing.  But what if we all did - I think we would be surprise at how much God really does every moment, how ever present He is, and what a truly awesome God we serve. 

I want to look at the familiar passage in John chapter 6.  This chapter opens when Jesus feeds the 5,000. Now in actuality it was more than 5,000, because that was only the number of men. There were women and children present as well, which increases that number: this only makes the miracle that much greater! But I want to focus on the verses near the end of the account:  

¹² After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.” ¹³ So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves. ¹⁴ When the people saw himdo this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, “Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!”¹⁵ When Jesus saw that they were ready to force him to be their king, he slipped away into the hills by himself.

Something that the Lord revealed to me was this: the mass of people did not realize the miraculous work of Jesus until after the fact, when the disciples picked up the leftovers.  I find it amazing that Jesus commanded the disciples to not leave anything wasted, because it was the sight of 12 full baskets of leftovers that cause the people to realize the miracle.

Now, praise God for Him understanding our shortcomings!  He will reveal to us the work He is doing, but I think there could be so much more we could see, appreciate, and give God praise for if we open our spiritual eyes to see His hand in all areas of our lives.

I want to encourage you today, first, know that God is working in your live and your circumstances.  Philippians 1:6 states that the work He has begun in not going to be left incomplete!  Praise Him today for that.  But secondly, I want to challenge you - open up your spiritual eyes and see all that our great God is doing.  I believe we will stand back in awe at His amazing work, and everyday will be filled with the joy, inspiration, and excitement that only can be found in knowing Jesus.