Today, I close out my series on How to Know Jesus. It has been such a wonderful encouragement to me, to reflect on these methods and see Him more as I write and practice what I preach. If this is the first article you’ve come across, I’d encourage you to start at the beginning of this series, with 7 Ways to Know Jesus Better.
But, if you’ve been following along, and practicing these teachings, you might already have begun seeing what today’s article is about "How to see Jesus in my life." Here are 10 ways that have helped me.
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When we know Jesus, when we know the Gospel, that He pursued us when it was undeserved, loves us when we are unlovable, and directs our path, we begin to see His hand in our past, daily lives, and even our future! Don’t believe me? The Bible has some great examples!
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9
The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. – Psalm 37:23
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
But in the meantime, if you feel stuck at the beginning, remember these words from St. Paul: he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; – Acts 17:27-28
And most assuring of all is this promise from Jesus Himself:
“Lo, I am with you ALWAYS, even unto the end of the world.” – Matthew 28:20
But if you have trouble, or if you need help seeing His hand in your particular circumstances at the moment, today I’m going to share 10 tips on How to see Jesus in my life.
How to see Jesus in my life: Ask Him!
1. Ask Jesus Why am I here
It’s important to learn to understand that God works through the circumstances of your life.
If you are like me, you’ve got a routine you go through every day. I am on auto-pilot half the time and the rest of the time operating within my universe of concerns, causes, and interests. Typically, my response is drawn quickly from my repertoire of previous experience. But since I’ve started working on this article, I am doing my best to ask, “What is God’s will here?” It is parallel to the familiar WWDJ question but narrows it to myself, namely, “What is Your will for me, Lord Jesus, at this time and in this situation?” “What would you have me do?” “What are you teaching me here?”
Perhaps you find yourself undecided about what to do in a specific situation, like David who was battling the Philistines:
Therefore, David enquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. And it shall be, when thou shalt hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt go out to battle: for God is gone forth before thee to smite the host of the Philistines. 1 Chronicles 14:14-15
Yes, you say, but that was David in the Old Testament 3,000 years ago. But God has given a specific promise to His people wherever they may be throughout the world:
But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. – Deuteronomy 4:29
Best of all, we have Jesus’ own promise,
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. – Matthew 7:7-8
Memorize these words of assurance from Jesus Himself. Brand them on your heart. Your confidence will grow, and you will see His hand daily in the circumstances of your life.
How to see Jesus in my life: Wait for Him!
2. Wait for Him to show you how God works through our circumstances.
“Ah, there’s the rub,” said Hamlet, and our first challenge in seeing God’s hand in our circumstances. We must spend time with Him and do some serious seeking. Begin by praying: Sometimes God’s will is easy to find; look in the Bible! If you cannot find it there just wait for the circumstances of your life to unfold always asking: Show me Your will, Lord Jesus. Lead me in the way that I should go! Ask this about every circumstance that arises and be faithful to act as Jesus wants you to in every little circumstance. Sometimes it takes years for God to reveal His long-range life plans for you!
Look at Abram, called at 75, promised a son at 86 and not seeing Isaac born until 100! Moses had to wait 40 years after he fled Egypt before God showed him His will. I am always encouraged because God did not reveal Himself to Moses until he was 80! Nor John on Patmos until he was over 90!
God is working on other pieces of the plan you are a part of. He is working it all together for your good, and that often takes time.
How to see Jesus in my life: understand your situation!
3. Ask for God’s help in understanding your situation
Do not be in a hurry but be on the lookout for a new revelation every day on each specific circumstance you ask the Lord about. How will you know it is God and not you behind the thought? Read on.
How to see Jesus in my life: Read your Bible!
4. Remember God’s leading will always be in accord with the Bible and He wants you to be content in all circumstances:
I like what Mary said about her unusual circumstances:
Be it unto me according to Thy word: Luke 1:38
How to see Jesus in my life: don’t put your will in His place!
5. It will often be clearly not your own will or your plan to deal with the circumstance you are being used in.
Always ask, “Is it God’s will or mine?”
Once I went to a nearby church to pray in keeping with an old Belgian tradition. I was uneasy about the place and went to the pew to pray. At once, the minister walked in, laid his hand on my shoulder, and said, “I must ask you to leave; I’m closing the building now.” I left!! Jesus knows all about our circumstances.
How to see Jesus in my life: He will work all things together for good!
6. It will be in accord with His eternal plan. God orchestrates our circumstances!
I am sure Joseph did not like being sold into slavery or being thrown into prison. But it was preparatory for his role as governor of Egypt. Moses did not like being put on “the backside of the wilderness” for 40 years, but God was preparing him to lead the Exodus and to write the first 5 books of the Bible. Jesus was subject to his parents for 30 years before He began His ministry!
How to see Jesus in my life: trust and obey!
7. You will have a choice to follow or not.
Choosing to obey God in what He shows you in the circumstances of your life is the most important decision you can make.
The rich young ruler walked away from Jesus’ call. Mary gave herself completely to His Word. What will you do when God shows you His will for the circumstance facing you?
How to see Jesus in my life: in everything give thanks!
8. Thank Him for the outcome.
How can we give thanks in all circumstances?
Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing GIVE THANKS: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. – St. Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Remember, this is a command, not a suggestion!
How to see Jesus in my life: testify!
9. Tell others what Jesus has done for you!
You are not the only one who wants to know what your circumstances mean. Share with your brothers and sisters in the Lord your experience so that they may learn to seek Him and His direction as you have!
How to see Jesus in my life: Abide in His love!
10. Rest in the place He puts you until He speaks again!
There is no greater joy than living in God’s rest.
God has put you where you are. He sees every aspect of your thought and life, and He governs all. Remember these words of St. Peter:
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. - 1Peter 5:7
You may have some other steps to add, but it is important now to act on what we have looked at here. Start with point #1
This will take some time. You may not get an answer right away. But remember Jesus’ promise and follow the advice of that old song, “Trust and Obey!”
Surely, goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life! Psalm 23:6