Time Out (by Jerry Schmoyer)

Maybe you’ve heard someone refer to a “God moment.” This usually is a special time when it is clear that God has intervened and shown Himself in an exceptional way. It is important to notice and appreciate these unique moments and interventions of our Heavenly Father. We must enjoy them and thank Him for a clear answer to prayer, a sudden revelation of His will, a perfect circumstance that is no chance happening, a provision for a need, or a deep feeling of love and worship. These moments are important to recognize. They can become special teaching moments when we use them to minister to others. They can increase faith and intensify worship. Too bad there aren’t more of these God moments in our lives.

But wait a minute! Who are we to limit “God moments” to only those special events we notice and appreciate? Aren’t all events and occurrences part of God’s plan and purpose? How many God’s activities bypass our recognition because they do not seem special or unique enough for us to recognize them as coming from God? After all, God is good all the time and in every way. In happy moments we must praise God. In difficult moments we must praise Him. In quiet moments, worship Him. In painful moments, trust Him. At every moment we are to thank God. So appreciate the “God moments” as the “icing on the cake” special love notes from God, but do not limit God’s involvement in our lives to these. Realize that every activity and every event in our life is, in fact, a God moment.

Scripture
Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Romans 5:2-5, “And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”

Reflect

• Think of some of the recent, clear God moments in your life. Why did God provide them for you? What should your response be?
• How can you use these God moments to teach and encourage others?
• Where has God been working in your life that you may have forgotten to give Him the credit?
• What difficulties are you experiencing that God has willed for a purpose?

Make a very conscious effort all day to notice how and when God works in your life — in obvious and subtle ways. Carry a paper and pencil to write them down so you can read over them at the end of the day. This will help keep your eyes on Him rather than of the world around you.

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Jerry Schmoyer has been a minister in Pennsylvania for over 25 years and has worked with teenagers for 14 years, ever since I became one myself. He authors the weekly Time Out series here at Life in Student Ministry in hopes to spiritually refresh your soul as you continually pour so much of yourself into students. God bless!

Posted on March 16, 2008