Journey, Day 25, ALREADY THERE!

1 Peter 3:13-17 “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened’  But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.  It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”

As you journey today you may be thinking, “What difference can I possibly make?”  Don’t underestimate the power of a gentle and respectful testimony!  Consider this …

There was a woman who was a tireless worker against apartheid in South Africa before the changes to that system were in place.  When the issue began to be resolved she changed her attention to the corrupt prison system in which Nelson Mandella had languished. She began visiting the most violent offenders, listening to stories and teaching inmates to listen to each other's stories. She taught about love and hope, and that hopeless system marked a dramatic reduction in violent incidents.  When author Philip Yancey asked her about her work she simply said, “Well of course, Philip, God was already present in the prison.  I just had to make him visible."

I pray for your vision today.  No matter what your circumstances, look for God.  At your job, at home, in traffic, in prison, in the store, on the phone, in the elevator … He’s already there.  
Then ask yourself how you can make him visible?  THIS is how you impact the world (or your little piece of it).  THIS is your act of worship. THIS (trust me) is life to the full!!  (John 10:10).  

Remember that God is there, and be ready to gently and respectfully give a smile, a nod, a hand, or maybe the reason for the hope that you exhibit.

“LORD, help me to start small in how I make you visible.  Please open my eyes to kindness I can offer in your name.”