Devotionals

Imminent Presence

by Anne Adams
07/26/23
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I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”  When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” - Gen. 28:15-16 (NIV)

Imminent Presence

Since she was a bit too warm, Sue unbuttoned her coat part way and continued her way further along through the shopping mall. However, soon she noticed that nearby next to a bench several people were gathered around a man sprawled on the floor. “He just fainted." Someone told her.

However, just as Sue stepped nearer suddenly a man crowded past her. “I can help him – I just finished a course in first aid.” He announced.

Sue put a hand on his arm. “But maybe I can help...”  The guy again turned again to snap. “Look, lady, I know what to do...and yes, I know if I can’t help then I can call a doctor.”

Her response was to stand up and slip off her coat, revealing her scrubs with the embroidered identification. “You don’t need to call a doctor,” She told him, “I’m already here.”

In our passage from Genesis, God gave Jacob many promises but also provided something Jacob only realized a bit later - God’s divine presence.

It’s often the same on my spiritual journey when like the industrious man Sue encountered in our story I forge ahead to solve any challenges, assured that I can handle any issue or meet any problem all by myself. And often I can. Until I finally can’t and when my ambition fails and I finally realize I can’t do it alone. I have to reach out for God’s help. And of course it’s then I realize that he was there all along - for my benefit and his glory.