The God winks are so evident. This morning, I awoke before sunrise, and the soft rain created a lovely backdrop for my Advent morning, which was focused on patience and endurance. The emphasis was on waiting on the Lord and appreciating the beauty that emerges during that wait. Just like a farmer who patiently awaits the nourishing rain for their crops and the eventual harvest, we can feel the gentle presence of Jesus with us in our waiting. His love continues to rain down on us, evident in the beauty around us and in the comforting hand He extends in our lives.

I didn’t have time to write the other morning during a moment of reflection on Jesus standing outside the marketplace and His words about why people are so busy that they forget to worship and rest. The speaker encouraged us to imagine ourselves standing with Jesus, observing the bustling streets filled with buying and selling, as well as children laughing and playing in their day-to-day activities. I remember feeling lifted out of the constant rush and my to-do list, allowing me to focus on Him, His love, and the peace of His presence.

I love this time in the morning when I can enjoy uninterrupted moments alone with God. I truly savor this time. I’ve found that I can take deep breaths and imagine being in this peaceful space when I’m feeling stressed. His presence in the chaos calms me.

I’m currently experiencing a heightened awareness of what those around me are going through. In these moments, God reveals His presence and works in our lives while we wait. There is so much happening in the hearts, minds, and homes of people in the “marketplace,” as mentioned in the verse shared in my app. How can we demonstrate the love of Jesus in these situations while also recognizing that only God can provide ultimate healing and change?

Focus on the Sower, Not the Harvest (The Release of Control):

1 Corinthians 3:6-7 says, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.

Release the burden of results. Our job is faithfulness in planting and watering; the transformation belongs entirely to God. This protects us from despair when we don’t see immediate change. Wait on God’s timing, trusting that He is working in their lives while you wait.

Demonstrate Jesus’ love through genuine presence and practical action, and release the outcome to God through ceaseless prayer and trust in His power.