#ReadandReflect: Meticulous Hands, Sharp Eyes, & An Ardent Heart
Even if you don’t see and feel God’s invisible hand, my friend, it is also moving behind-the-scenes of your life. That’s the kind of God He is: very hands-on.
I was browsing through my news feed one morning when I came across photos of snowflakes. Alexey Kljatov, a Russian photographer, managed to capture different images of snowflakes that landed on his balcony. As I stared at those real-life images, I was amazed by how intricate and delicate each snowflake design was. The patterns were so precise and distinct. Snowflakes are very thin and flat. For them to have such complex designs, it looked as if someone must have hand sculpted each, one by one, with great care. I was so awestruck by their beauty so I began researching about snowflakes. I discovered that no two fully developed snowflakes are the same, as confirmed by Jon Nelson, a research scientist. A billion snowflakes fall every year according to Nelson, and none of them look alike. That is mind-blowing!
I encourage you to put down this book for a while and search for Alexey Kljatov’s snowflakes photos online. See those beautiful crystals for yourself. Look at how detailed each snowflake is. Marvel in its uniqueness. And consider this: The God who created those breathtaking snowflakes is the same God who created YOU. Savor and bask in that truth, my friend.
Now, tell me: If the Creator of the heavens and the earth takes so much time crafting each snowflake, which usually melts within seconds, how much more must this Creator care about the details of your life? Most snowflakes don’t even get to land. They melt as they fall. Still, God pays special attention to each, making them beautiful.
How much more does He care about your life — your life that is made for eternity? Will God not show even more interest in making the details of your life as glorious as possible?
You and your life, my friend, are far more valuable than the most exquisite snowflake.
My prayer is that God will open your eyes so you may see His fingerprints all over your own story. He is the God of your past, present, and future. He is the One in control of your coming and going, from the day you were conceived until the day you leave this earth. Nothing enters your life without His seal of approval. He is actively at work in the details of your life right at this moment. He neither sleeps nor slumbers.
. . . the one watches over you will not slumber.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never slumbers or sleeps.
The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
The sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon at night.
The Lord keeps you from all harm
and watches over your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. (Psalm 121:3–8)
Can you count how many “watches” were used in this passage? To watch means “to look at or observe attentively over a period of time; to exercise care about; to observe and guard in a protective way; to follow closely or maintain an interest in.”15 The author of this psalm couldn’t express enough that God’s watchful eyes are on YOU. Your Heavenly Father looks at you attentively, and with great care. He’s guarding you. He’s interested in you. Picture that, the eyes of the Father are on you.
You are mindfully loved.
You are deeply cared for.
You are well-kept by Your Abba.
In the same way, your Father is never idle. The only time God rested was on the seventh day of creation. But even then, He never really stopped. What ended was merely the “creating.” In fact, even during the time of Jesus, we read how He continued performing miracles and helping the needy, even on Sabbath. So what makes us think that He would be inoperative in our lives today? He’s still as passionate and as committed to managing the affairs of the world as He was in the time of Esther. Believe it or not, the God of the universe is very much devoted in carrying out His design for YOUR life.
Look back at your journey. How have you experienced God-wink moments in your life?
Remember, the Invisible Hand is always up to something. Make sure to keep your eyes wide open!
This is an excerpt from Chosen: No Matter Where You've Been or What You've Done by Shaina Cua. This book is available at OMF Lit Bookshops, shop.omflit.com, Shopee, and Lazada for P375.
When being ghosted, ignored, seenzoned, or unfollowed has become the norm, we end up questioning our worth and yearning to be seen - to be chosen. But what does it mean to be truly chosen?
In Chosen, author Shaina Cua helps women reclaim their chosenness by examining the book of Esther, showing fresh perspectives on essential truths, and reflecting on the God who has chosen us.
Chosen includes relatable stories from other women, processing questions at the end of each chapter, and practical advice drawn from Shaina's own experience of bullying and healing from trauma, as well as her training in psychology and biblical studies.
About the author:
Shaina Cua graduated with a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology with emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University, California, USA. Her training in psychology and Biblical doctrines integrates two fields she is passionate about as she teaches psych spiritual principles. She is currently pursuing her PhD studies in Clinical Christian Counseling at the Biblical Seminary of the Philippines – Asia Graduate School of Theology. She is a mental health therapist, a resource speaker, and an educator. As a speaker and trainer, she conducts seminars here and abroad on mental health, conflict management, and other relational/familial issues. She also facilitates workshops and team-building events in schools, churches, and corporate companies.
Shaina also serves as one of the leaders in her church where she is a core member of the Leadership Training and Development team. Recently, she pioneered a Women’s Bible study group to help women grow in their knowledge and experience of God. In her free time, she de-stresses by staying at home and watching her favorite rescue and crime TV series. She is an introvert at heart. Through the years, she has learned to challenge herself to do things she thinks she can never do. She loves going on adventures and befriending the unknown. She enjoys hanging out with her closest friends, traveling, hiking, and venturing into the performing arts. One day, she dreams of having a family of her own and passing on to her children the godly legacy that her parents have started.