The changing times and advancement of technology have created opportunities for me to accomplish my job from anywhere I have an Internet connection. Available connectivity has become such the norm these days via Wi-Fi, home Internet, cell data service, that working remotely or on the road has become very convenient. For the most part…
Recently, I found myself attempting to work from a room without a direct wired data port or access to local Wi-Fi. As a backup, I could use my smart phone as an active hotspot provided there was stable data service. Unfortunately, obtaining that stability proved also challenging. After some trial and error, I found that if I opened the blinds on the closest window and positioned my phone on the edge of a table, I could establish 4G (for the non-techies, that is a high speed data connection for mobile communications.) The situation was at least stable until I could move to a better network connection.
If that last paragraph seemed like unfamiliar language, you’re not alone. I use technology all the time, and it still baffles me how there are radio frequencies, protocols, network handshakes and an un-measurable amount of data just floating by us constantly that we can’t see. Every time a text, email, photo, etc. is ‘sent,’ data is seemingly transmitted into air and capable of showing up on someone else’s phone, email, browser within seconds regardless of distance.
Have you ever thought about that in comparison to your prayer life or God’s presence?
“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.” Jeremiah 29:12 (ESV)
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20 (ESV)
“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8 (ESV)
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” Hebrews 11:1-3 (ESV)
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8 (ESV)
He hears us and He is present. Although it’s a mystery how, the words uttered from our mouths or thoughts find their way to God’s ears. Can you hear me now?!
Admittedly, there have been some darker times in my life where I had bought into the lie that, for whatever reason, God just wasn’t communicating as strongly. As it turns out, it had more to do with my ability to receive than His ability to transmit. If God is the same yesterday, today and forever, then any static on the line, intermittent signal or disruption of service is not on His side of the communication.
Strangely, we have direct access to the Creator of the universe and Lover of our souls, yet we often settle for less stable connections and correspondence. His presence is always available, but still we trust and put our faith in weaker forms of communication. We take His presence for granted, or worse, live as if He’s not there…
I’d like to encourage you, maybe right after reading this, to open the blinds and be intentional about plugging into His promises. It may require you to turn off the radio or television, or take out your ear buds in order to begin dialogue. Go ahead, He’s waiting for you!
-Mark Boughner
