Finger Shadows And The Presence Of God

On our drive to school, there’s one particular road where the sun shines directly towards us. My son would always squint his eyes, and I would remind him not to look directly at the bright light.

After a few meters, there’s a bend in the road that turns right, taking along with it the sunlight that slowly shifts to our side.

"Daddy, why does the sun disappear when we make a right turn?"

"The sun is still there," I answered. "We just don’t see it where it used to be."

"So where is it?"

"Point your finger down on the dashboard top and watch your shadow. Your shadow will always point to the sun."

He tried it for himself and said, "You’re right. It is there!"

Just because we can’t see the sun doesn’t mean it’s not there. We may not see it, but evidence pointing to its existence is everywhere.

And I realized that God’s presence is the same.

As Christians, just because we don’t see God’s hand of blessing in what we’re doing doesn’t mean He abandoned us.

The absence of God’s favor does not mean the absence of God’s presence.

God is with us in times of grief.

God is with us in suffering and pain.

God is with us in prayers left unanswered.

Life is not driven down a straight, boring road. Expect bumps and crazy turns.

And if you’re in a bend right now, feeling lost and alone, questioning where God is in all of these.

Try putting down your finger and watch your shadow.

If you can find the sun, I’m sure you can also find the strength to see beyond what’s absent, and have the faith to trust the One who promised always to be present.

The absence of God’s favor does not mean the absence of God’s presence.

He is with you!

Yes, God will always be with you.