Opinion : Pastor\'s Blog - Groundhog Day

On Feb. 2, a big event happened in a little town in Pennsylvania. At 7:25 a.m., Punxsutawney Phil (a groundhog) saw his shadow amongst partly cloudy skies. So what! Legend tells us that when Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If it is like this, we won’t mind too much, but winter is still winter.

On Feb. 2, 2012 in Vinton, Iowa, there is no way any groundhog or anyone else could see their shadow. The fog was too thick. So, is where we are or maybe whether our heads are still stuck in a hole, make a difference in what we see or don’t see?

I often start our worship time with the question, “Where have you seen God at work in your life this week?” I am talking about the God that allows the sun to rise each morning, or if you wish, causes the earth to rotate in such a way that we see the sun for a period of time each day. I am talking about the God that allows rain or snow to fall, and allows fog to cover the ground. The God that allows one person to be talented at farming while another to be talented at being a doctor or a plumber, or a housewife. I am also talking about the God that allowed you to breathe your first breath this morning. We are each alive by the grace of that same God. Have you seen Him at work?

Sometimes we spend several minutes (Once, we spent most of the hour.) describing how God had revealed Himself in each of our lives. Sometimes, it seems miraculous. Sometimes, it is more run of the mill. But each time it is a recognition that a living God is evident in this world and in our lives. It is our seeing or recognition that is important.

Where have you seen God at work in your life today? My question is not whether God is active or not. It is, Have your recognized His activity? Is your life so filled with fog, that you are unable to recognize God at work? If so, may I suggest getting out of the fog and start looking for God in your normal activities.

Maybe, you might have a difficult time seeing God at work because your head is still stuck in hole. (Old Phil could never see his shadow unless he sticks his head out of his hole.) What is blinding us from seeing the truth? Is it some activity or some attitude, or lack of understanding? We are so easily deceived. We allow things or attitudes to blind us from seeing the Truth. God created all things. I don’t believe that God just created creation and now sits back and watches, like you might build a watch and then just watch it work. I believe God is actively involved in our day to day activities. Where have you seen Him at work in your life today?

When you do recognize God at work, take time to say, “Thank you”. God appreciates our thanks. He also appreciates our recognition. If it is too foggy where you are, then move over a bit. If your head is still stuck in a hole so you can’t see God at work, then try sticking your head out into the truly real world. God is active in our day to day world. We just have to recognize His activity and praise Him. Have a great day looking for our Lord at work in your life.

Pastor Jim Blair ministers at the Blessed Hope Church, 1507 M Ave. Vinton (located behind Theisen's)

Services are held at 9:30 a.m. followed by Sunday School at 10:45 a.m.

Men's Bible Study is held Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m.