At our orientation retreat, Ashley gave us a letter written by someone in last year’s class (s/o Mallory Larson) with encouragement and advice as we began this nine-month journey. Toward the end of her letter, she wrote something along the lines of “be looking for God’s fingerprints throughout your days”.
In our Old Testament Genesis readings, I’ve been reminded of God’s nature as a Creator, specifically that he delights in his creation and especially delights in humanity. This is also referenced in one of my favorite scriptures, Colossians 1:16-20 which says “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things and in him, all things hold together…He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross”.
His fingerprints are truly over every inch of this world and our lives, as he holds them in his hands.
Our second Old Testament class, taught by Emily Walker, led us to identify God’s original design for the nature of humanity. In the first two books of Genesis, we see that humanity is: man and woman created in God’s image, God-breathed, to be fruitful, multiply, and subdue the earth. God created us and saw that we were very good. He created us to enjoy him and his creation, to embrace a relationship with him, and to interact with him as the living God of the universe. Emily asked us if this is how we think of our humanity now. Even after the fall, this image of humanity is what we are restored to through Jesus (Colossians 1:20). As followers of Jesus we are called to understand who we were designed to be. I believe God designed us for the garden, as described above. And because of the fall, we do not live in full glory but we have it to look forward to when God creates a new heaven and a new earth. In the meantime, I believe that in his mercy God gives us a glimpse of glory or shows us his “fingerprints” when we stop to notice them.
We are doing a series in Exodus at church and Pastor Lauren spoke last Sunday on how the heart of God is to reveal himself to his people. He did this with the Israelites constantly telling them that “they will know” their provisions are coming from the Lord himself. Because we face the reality of living in a fallen world we often doubt God’s faithfulness, goodness, and provision. But he promises to draw near to us when we seek him. Pastor Lauren recommended some practices to heighten our awareness of God. Aka to notice his fingerprints.
It will be my goal this year to be doing just that. So I’d like to share some of “God’s fingerprints” I’ve noticed throughout this first month as a Raleigh Fellow. Here are a few big ones from September:
In general, the overwhelming provision of this program: my gracious host family (Barbie Burgess), my job (medical assistant at NeighborHealth) my mentor (Marilyn Young), the community of the Fellows alum (s/o my buddy Derren) my fellow fellows (aka my 9 new best friends) and our courageous leader (Ashley Crutchfield).
I’ve been blown away when reflecting on how God knew exactly what I needed for these next nine months and placed me with these exact people in these places for my good.
Sitting by the pond during quiet time at Fall camp feeling absolutely exhausted by the weekend but hearing the words of Psalm 23 “He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul”.
It was certainly a little rough leading at a youth retreat so soon after we hit the ground running, but at this moment I was reminded of Jesus’ example for us to slip away and find stillness in alone time with God. Also a moment of appreciating his beauty in creation.
Similarly to above, during our first spiritual formation class we had individual, unhurried, silent time with God to invite the Holy Spirit to uncover whatever he desires within us.
We had just meditated on Matthew 11:25-30 and in this silence & solitude I felt like I was receiving a hug from Jesus like a child collapsing into a hug from their parent. A hug where I released my heaviness onto him and I stood up feeling lighter. Just as Jesus invites us to do in verse 29 by taking upon his yoke and finding rest for our souls.
And maybe the most important one…I treated myself to Smoothie King after sharing my testimony and they made extra of my order so I got another free cup.
🙌 Jehovah Jirah
Every day is a gift!
- Virginia