God Is Thinking of YOU!

In the Old Testament books of prophecy, the God of Israel used picture after stunning picture, story after story to somehow reach the wandering, rebellious hearts of His people.

Sometimes His metaphors were shocking and graphic; at other times tender and poignant. He wanted His people to understand the depths of His love for them, and to warn them of the dangers and sorrows that awaited them if they continued to walk in rebellion.

Jesus, of course, never stopped telling stories and sketching memorable word pictures. It was His favorite way of teaching. “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants…. The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning…. Suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one….”

That’s one of the reasons, I believe, why He leads us into God Adventures along life’s path. Through these real-life experiences, He paints a picture of His indescribable love. He teaches us more and more about His character and His plans for our lives. Those who stay in their safe routines and never risk climbing out of the rut don’t seem to hear His voice as clearly as those who venture forth, leaning on His promises (and not much else).

Don’t you love the story of Nathanael, daydreaming in the hot afternoon under a fig tree? Did he have any concept — any idea at all — that he was being carefully watched and considered in those moments? Jesus would say to him,

“... I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you” (John 1:48 NIV).

In the same way, God was thinking of us long before we ever thought of Him. And even today, in times of confusion, pressure, or disappointment, He is thinking of us when we lose the handle on His presence, His love, and His watchful care over each one of us.

We are always on His mind.

Excerpted with permission from The God Adventure, by Terry Meeuwsen © 2005.