Where To Find God

The Devil’s in the details. You’ve probably heard that old saying and experienced the not-so-good results of not heeding its message.

The recipe called for one tablespoon of salt, but the cook read it as one cup. The cookies tasted like seawater.

The dad didn’t read the Super Glue instructions and decided to apply it with his finger. He ended up with a toy truck stuck to his hand.

The writer did a poor job of editing, leaving one sentence with an extra letter. “The batter sh... the ball really hard. “

However, I recently came across a new spin on that old saying.

Here's how it goes: The Devil’s not in the details, God is in the details.

God is in the details. That truth reminds me to look for His presence and work in small matters, not just in the big issues.

Anything that happens in life is about hundreds or thousands of small details being arranged in the right order, at the right time, and in the right place. When you end up in the right place at the right time, it’s because God got you there. He orchestrated it all for your benefit. 

The Bible tells us that Jesus arrived on earth at exactly the right time. For thousands of years, God planned and arranged every detail for Jesus’ birth. His arrival was neither too early nor too late. The timing was flawless. He was born in the perfect place, to the perfect parents, under perfect conditions. 

Galatians 4:4

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law.

1 Timothy 2:5,6

5 For, there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.

This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.

Scripture also explains that when we consistently do good things, we will finally reap a return on our investment, which is “a harvest of blessings.” We will be blessed because we have performed a thousand details well.
Galatians 6:9           

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t give up 

Right now, God is arranging countless details so His Son can return to save us at the perfect moment. Jesus’ second coming, like His first, will not be too early or too late. But first, every detail must be settled. 

1 Timothy 6:15  

For, at just the right time, Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

God is all around us, at all times, watching over our lives. A wise person becomes a keen observer of their surroundings because they understand that God is there and don’t want to miss Him. 

Remember, Jesus explained that not a single sparrow ever falls from a tree without God’s knowledge. 

Matthew 18:28-30

29 What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. 30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.

Have you ever tried to count the number of hairs on your head? I know, some of you are bald, but you had hair at some point. God’s job is becoming progressively easier with me because the hairs on my head are becoming fewer and fewer.

That is God’s attention to detail. Indeed, God is in the details. When you become attuned to His meticulous craftsmanship, you live in a state of wonder and amazement. You learn to appreciate small blessings. Make no mistake, grateful people are happy people. 

Jesus told us to pray for our daily bread. Later that day, you sat down to dinner, which means your prayer was answered. God was at work fulfilling your request.

You walk to get into your car in the driveway, and you hear the clear sound of rustling leaves. The wind blows the colorful fall scenery all over the yard, and you remember that God is in the wind.

A cardinal lands outside your window, and you're amazed by the shades of red on this little creature. When a cardinal lands outside my window, I think of my mother, who loved these bright red spots against green trees. I thank God for my mother. 

Something you’ve wanted for many months suddenly shows up at just the right moment. God was working all along. 

With sadness, you put to rest something cherished, but tomorrow brings a new blessing. God’s benefits are new every morning.

One door slams in your face, and your hopes are shattered, only to discover another door suddenly open before you. You remember Jesus’ words, “knock, and the door will be opened to you.” 

An encouraging card arrives in the mail when you're feeling down, and you wonder how that friend knew you needed their kindness right now. God knew. 

So how do you train yourself to see and enjoy God’s details?

·      Listen           

My mother said, “Donnie, you have two ears and one mouth, use them accordingly.” It’s hard to hear God when you are talking all the time. Often the Almighty speaks quietly, even whispers, so to hear Him, you must listen carefully.

·      Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal Himself to you.

God often shows up in unexpected places and circumstances 

o   Jacob at Bethel (Genesis 28:10–17) 

Jacob dreams of a ladder to heaven and wakes saying, 

“Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” 

God may be present in places we least expect—like a traffic jam, a restaurant, a busy grocery store, or at work.  

o   Elijah on Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:11–13) 

      God wasn’t in the wind, earthquake, or fire—but in a gentle whisper. 

God often speaks through quiet moments, not dramatic signs.

o   Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 3) 

God appears in a bush that burns but isn’t consumed. 

Ordinary objects and routines can become sacred when we pay attention.

o   Peter realizes the Jesus is the Christ

Matthew 16:15-17

15    Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.

God will reveal important matters and give you wisdom to know what to do with them.

·      Watch with eyes wide open.

Jesus repeatedly said, “Let him who has ears to hear and eyes to see.”

Seeing God all around you requires practice. A well-trained, experienced coach observes nuances in a player’s execution that mean the difference between good and great. A golf coach can see the difference in the swing of a professional as opposed to a novice. A seasoned hunter looks into the distant woods and sees a twelve-point buck, while the beginner strains his eyes and sees only trees.

·      The way to see what there is to see is to slow down.

When you are driving sixty miles per hour and look directly to your left or right, it is nearly impossible to see anything clearly. It’s all whizzing by you too fast. If you are living at such a frenetic pace, you will miss God’s work around you.

Diamonds are rare and require a tremendous effort to mine. When they emerge from the ground, they are rough and resemble jagged crystals. However, a trained and experienced diamond cutter can take that raw mineral and turn it into a masterpiece. 

A trained jeweler can determine the quality of the cut by its brilliance. If the facets are properly cut, the stone reflects light in a way that makes it appear brilliant, especially under light. It is all about the details.

If you want to experience the joy of seeing and hearing God every day, you must train your eyes and ears to notice details. Let the Holy Spirit reveal what others miss. God is eager to unveil His secrets to those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. God is in the details.

Live Inspired!

Don Mark