Represent

The other day I was talking to my sister, we were taking about how God uses us to do His work. I was quickly reminded that God had to use Jesus (man) to reveal who He was. That when the miracles happened it was through a man that they happened. I fully understand that Jesus is God, but I also understand that God was showing us something when He sent a man to do His will.

I began to wonder how many times I had missed God, waiting for God to answer in some supernatural way. It's like I always wanted an angel to appear or God's voice to fill my room, to give me the answers I so desperately searched for. I began to wonder did I miss God through words of a parent, a gift from a friend, a shoulder to cry on of a husband, advise from a sister, encouragement from a stranger, and so on. How many times had God spoken that I didn't even hear?

I believe, through us, we represent who God is. When we love people, give our gifts, speak over them, remember them, take time to spend with them, and be there to listen when they so desperately need someone. We represent God when we allow Him to use us, and when we seek Him for ways to love one another.

I also have to repent. The same way we can represent God in a good way, I think we could also represent Him in a bad way. It's why so many people don't want anything to do with "the whole God thing" Have you ever noticed how much the world criticizes Christians?, it's because they are watching us. When I yell at my kids, I realized I'm representing God to them, when I don't show my husband the love he deserves, how is that reflecting God? When I speak unkind things about someone, or say things are hopeless, when I began to care only about me and what I want, all these things are representing God. I understand that we are human, and that we sin and fall. Only God is God. That it is by His glory, that I am saved. I also believe people need to see us be real, but I also believe that everyday, in our lives, we need to represent who God is and give Him the glory in the way we live out our lives.

I'm going to recognize God in people more, and also remember that I represent God to others. I'm going to thank Him for the relationships and people He has put over me. I'm going to love the ones around me, the way God would want them to be loved. I'm going to ask did I represent God, to the fullest, when I loved my husband, played with my children, disciplined my kids, honored my mother and father, talked with a friend, smiled at a stranger, enjoyed the company of my family, and worshiped God in every way of my life?