Do We Recognize the Shepherding of God?
“For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.”
(Ezekiel 34:11-13)
I celebrated my recent birthday by visiting our son and daughter in law, who now live in Cincinnati. We had a fabulous time exploring the city, getting to see where they work and live, and enjoyed Cincy’s amazing Graeter's Ice Cream. (I’ll confess- we had it three times in five days! But hey, it was my birthday!)
One of the highlights was attending the church they have found. I walked in with no expectations, instead a prayer asking God to affirm this church within my heart. I prayed for it to become a special place of worship and community for them. A place we would be eager to visit during our future trips.
Being a sermon note-taker, I could not write fast enough. As I reviewed my notes today, I recognized at least six different moments throughout the service when I sensed God reminding me, “I see you, I know you, and I care greatly about you!” The pastor introduced 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 as the central scripture for his teaching. I was immediately moved by God's grace and compassion as these verses represent the fuel behind my inspiration to write, speak, and encourage caregivers. It felt like the entire service was for my benefit. Has God ever done that for you?
Afterwards, we met the lead pastor and learned the church opened on April 16th–our wedding anniversary-- and was originally a Lutheran Church, the denomination we were married in almost 40 years ago. The song “The Lord will Provide” gently reminded me not to worry about anything because “My Father Has It.” At the end of the service, once again, in His goodness, I was completely in awe and wonder of how God cares for us.
The gentleness of God was so good to me on that Sunday morning. I realize that this should not surprise me, since the Bible shows us many times when God ministers to or calls out His people. Let’s look at a few. Maybe you can relate to one of these stories as you reflect on a situation in your life right now:
Genesis 3:9 - God communicated Adam’s sin to him when he called, “Where are you?” God pointed out he wants us to face our disobedience and still pursues us.
1 Samuel 1:19-20 - God answers our prayers as He did for Hannah.
Jonah 1:14 - God sent a storm to pursue Jonah for a mission, even as he tried to run from his calling.
John 4 - Jesus met the woman at the well to turn her towards a life honoring God, reminding us we can turn from our sin, and God loves us no matter what our past circumstances reflect
I believe God shepherds us in many ways. He looks after us and pursues us, out of His great love for us. A proper response with humility and worship of Him will bless us.
“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:23-24 (ESV)
May we be encouraged today, as Our Father in Heaven cares deeply for us and is always shepherding us.
Give the song The Lord Will Provide a listen and let me know if there is any way I can pray for you. Trusting together - our Father has it!
Dear Father,
You are so good to us, and we love you. Thank you for all the ways you care for us. Give us eyes to see this throughout our days and especially in times of need. In Jesus Name, Amen.”
If this devotion has spoken to you, I would love to hear how by leaving a comment below or emailing me tracyarntzen@gmail.com.