Straight from a Pursuing Heart
By Lisa Elliott
Have you ever gone on a God-hunt? Maybe you’re unclear as to what a God-hunt is. In simple form, it’s exactly what it sounds like. It could be compared to what some refer to these days as a God-sighting, but even more intentional. Please allow me to elaborate.
Years ago I was going through a time when I needed more than ever to see Jesus. My vision was clouded by circumstances beyond my control and I was feeling as if God had somehow abandoned me in the wilderness. I was desperate to have Him meet me wherever I could find Him. So, I began actively pursuing Him; not exclusively, but especially at church.
As I woke up every Sunday morning my heart would ignite with excited anticipation, wondering how He’d meet me that day. Amazingly, He’d greet me at the church door by someone I wouldn’t typically expect. A few times a child would run to me, give me a wrap-around embrace and tell me how much they loved me. On a few occasions He’d appear in the pew beside me, often in the form of a visitor! And often He’d meet me in a song where our hearts would entwine as we shared intimate conversation and meaningful God-focused worship.
One particular Sunday morning I was helping out with the children’s ministry that made it impossible to seek Him out. The morning unfolded in such a way that I simply didn’t have time to give it much thought. Nor did I have a chance to pay attention to my personal needs after unthinkingly drinking a second cup of coffee that morning; a day when I couldn’t easily excuse myself. I’m not meaning to sound crass so please stick with me here for a moment. As soon as my responsibility to the children was finished I made a bee-line to the restroom. Once in the private stall I heard someone come into the restroom and say, with unleashed abandon and full-fledged passion, “Lisa! Finally I found you! I’ve been calling your name! Didn’t you hear me?”
To say I was a little startled would be an understatement. As I sat behind the locked door, I was hesitant to respond at all. My initial thought was to ask, “God?” Is that you?” I was so caught off-guard. This certainly wasn’t a place I was imagining to be found, nor was it the destination I would ever expect to be outright pursued!
I opened the stall door with fear and trepidation, not knowing who or what was waiting for me on the other side. There before me stood a woman, a dear sister in the Lord, whose heart was full to overflowing with the joy of the Lord. I could see it all over her face! And from her breathless heaves, it was evident she had not simply sauntered through the foyer to find me; she’d outright ran after me! She went on to tell me that she had something she wanted to share that she had waited all week to tell me; knowing I would appreciate, understand, and get excited along with her. I certainly was! With tears in her eyes, she described an incredibly powerful encounter she had had with the Lord earlier that week. It was exactly what I needed to hear that day—especially from someone who was in just as hot in pursuit to see Jesus, meet with, and hear from Him as I was.
What struck me after our encounter was the fact that I had, indeed, met Jesus that morning, right there in the restroom! On a day when I didn’t have opportunity or focus to actively pursue Him, He pursued me—and made sure He found me! And did He ever have something worth listening to that He couldn’t wait to share with me. He loves me that much!
Do you expect to see Jesus in your day-to-dailies? Do you wake up with excited anticipation of what He will say or do once you find each other? When was the last time you intentionally and actively went looking for Him? Why don’t you try it this week—today even? You might be surprised where He shows up! And make sure you take note of what He has to say.
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him (1 Chronicles 16:9).
About this Contributor:
Lisa Elliott is an inspirational speaker and award-winning author of The Ben Ripple and Dancing in the Rain. Additionally, she has written articles for Just Between Us Magazine and devotionals for theStory. She and her pastor-husband, David, have four children (3 on earth, 1 in heaven) and serve the Lord together in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
To book Lisa for a weekend retreat or day conference contact her at: lisakelliott22@gmail.com