I SPY

Did you ever play “I Spy” as a kid? I heard about a family who play the game slightly differently. If any of them see something in the world that shows God at work, they point to it and shout: “I spy!” It might be something a friend said, an answer to prayer or simply a great view out the window. The point is that they keep on the lookout for reminders of God’s presence in the world and in their lives.

That game makes me think of Jesus’ followers and their unsuccessful fishing trip (JOHN 21:1-7). Jesus had come back to life after His resurrection, yet some of his friends were unsure what to do next. So they went fishing. Early in the morning they saw through the mist a man standing on the shore, but they didn’t know it was Jesus. “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” He asked. “No,” they answered. “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some,” He said (VV.5-6). The fishermen did as He asked, and their net was filled with so many fish they couldn’t draw it in. “It is the Lord!” shouted John, who often called himself “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (V.7). It was an “I spy” moment. John was the first to recognise Jesus.

Ask God to help you ‘see’ Jesus at work today—in your conversations, in the things your family say, in your classes at school, in your prayers and Bible reading. If you pay attention, you will see Him at work when others have no idea. Try playing “I spy” today and let God’s constant presence reassure you of His love and care.

Thinking it over . . .

What do you think it means when Paul tells us, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (ROMANS 8:28)? How could this perspective help you to ‘see’ Jesus in the different situations you find yourself in?