It was October, 1970, and Canada was under a serious terrorist threat. A reporter had asked the Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau, how far he would go in dealing with the crisis. "Just watch me!" Trudeau responded. He subsequently ordered the War Measures Act. It was a drastic measure, fitting for the crisis. Thereafter, those words, "Just watch me!" have become enshrined in Canadian history.

Lately, those three words have also become enshrined in my prayer life — I'd say, by God Himself. That's right. The Spirit sometimes interrupts my prayers with that famous quotation, "Just watch Me!" The effect has been startling.

I'd be mulling over a burden. Then suddenly, those words would grab my attention. Instantly, my focus shifted from myself to God. It was as if He had just pushed me out of the ditch. Suddenly, I'd find myself eagerly expecting something down the road, something that God would do. It seems that God is training me to be on the lookout for His activities.

"Just watch Me!" That's what God has repeatedly been telling His people, especially during times of crisis. The ancient nation of Judah received this alert when besieged by a terrifying army. They heard those three words this way:

2 Chronicles 20:15b,17a – Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. (NIV)

For me, the words, "Just watch Me!" sound like a dare, as if God were confronting my silent skepticism. He probes my dimness, saying, "So you think I'm not up to anything remarkable! Well, My child, just lift up your eyes! You just watch what I'll do!"

That happened to the prophet Habakkuk. He saw his nation being destroyed by violence and oppression. God answered his complaint with that dare, "Just watch Me!" — expressed this way:

Habakkuk 1:5 – Look at the nations and watch — and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. (NIV)

I've discovered that God can use any situation — good or bad — to alert us to His potential. We may hear it while burdened over a personal crisis or over a global crisis. We may hear it through the actions or words of others. Perhaps, it's through a gentle nudge by a caring friend concerned that we're getting stuck over a past offense. Perhaps, it's through the cold shoulder of a heartless individual who dismisses our concern altogether. God may draw our attention through a relaxing documentary, or conversely, through anxious media hype. The context is irrelevant. What matters is somehow hearing God's daring call, "Just watch Me!" Let's learn to wait expectantly, always on the lookout for the unfolding of His plan.

Prayer: Lord, open our ears to hear Your call, "Just watch Me!" Open our eyes that we may recognize Your hand at work in whatever life situation is on our mind. Amen.

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About the author:

Diane Eaton <dianeeaton6@gmail.com>
Paisley, Ontario, Canada
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