Kicking the Ground: Daring to See God's Work in Our Lives

It’s not always clear what God is doing. Sometimes, when we look at the events unfolding in our lives, we might think God must be crazy, or at least pretty weird. It can feel as if He is distracted by some oddity or not doing much at all. But often, there’s more happening beneath the surface than we realise.

Today, I found myself standing on the side of the road, kicking the pavement for a few minutes. To a passerby, I must have looked like I’d lost it. But if they had come closer or asked what I was doing, they would have found out that someone had smashed a rather large beer bottle the night before. As I walked over it, I couldn't help but think of dogs or little kids stumbling through it and cutting themselves. Compelled to act with the resources I had, I started moving the glass to a safer location using the relative security of my shoes.

A few people walked by and looked at me as though I was losing it. There I was, kicking little shards of glass out of the path to protect those who might unknowingly get hurt; from afar, it probably looked weird, but up close, there was a purpose.

This experience reminded me of how we sometimes perceive God's actions. It might seem like He is doing nothing or acting in a way that doesn’t make sense to us. But if we remember who God is—His character and His heart as revealed to us in scripture—we can trust that when He appears to be doing something odd, He sees something we don’t. He’s addressing needs we might not even be aware of.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) encourages us to, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." This verse reminds us that our understanding is limited, but God's vision is perfect.

Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV) also says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

So, when we see God "kicking the ground," it’s likely He’s doing something that needs to be done, protecting us in ways we can’t comprehend. Watch Him long enough, have the courage to follow Him, and you’ll witness Him doing much, much more.

Romans 8:28 (ESV) reassures us, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Even when it doesn't make sense to us, God is always working for our good.

So next time you think God is acting strangely or not acting at all, remember that He might just be clearing a path for his work in your life, ensuring your safety, and preparing you for something greater.