A God Encounter

[Jacob] reached a certain place and spent the night there because the sun had set. He took one of the stones from the place, put it there at his head, and lay down in that place.

Genesis 28:11, HCSB

WALKING ACROSS THE university graduation stage. Standing at the church altar on your wedding day. Pacing in a hospital birthing suite. Receiving a court summons. Strolling a Maui beach. Waiting in an emergency room. Looking down at a loved one in a casket. Certain places have significant meaning. In fact, certain sights, certain smells, or even a glimpse of someone who looks familiar can flood our minds with memories and escalate our emotions. Some of the events we recall are filled with great happiness and others with profound sorrow. Yet each holds a special place in our hearts.

In Genesis 28:11, we are told that Jacob reached “a certain place.” The underlying Hebrew phrase may simply describe a locale, but it often refers to a sanctuary. This “certain place” was a particular sacred spot—a transforming place—and it was sacred because God was there. Jacob was not expecting to see God in this place, but he did.

God is not absent. He is involved and at work in our lives. If we are His children, we can be certain that He hasn’t forgotten us. Just because we may not see what He is doing doesn’t mean He isn’t doing anything. God often works behind the scenes and in ways we will never know on this side of eternity. Are you awake to His presence and activity?

BOTTOM LINE

God doesn’t always change the circumstances of our lives, but He can use our circumstances to change us. If we look and listen, we just might encounter God.

Moment of Strength: Psalm 59:10