Seeking

Emmanuel. God with us. How I longed to know His presence in my life.

With the passing of my grandmothers, I asked God for a double-portion blessing. Both of my grandmothers were strong women of faith and prayer warriors. I wanted God’s glory to shine in my life, too. Couldn’t I ask the same of the Lord, like Elisha?

When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.

~2 Kings 2:9 NIV

So, I did, but I didn’t see any fireworks or feel any different. Maybe the Lord felt my request was presumptuous. But what about Moses? He asked to see the glory of God and was rewarded.

And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.” And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence.

~Exodus 33:17-19 NIV

Remembering

For fourteen years, I watched my dad slip further into dementia. It seemed the light in his eyes dimmed. No longer able to carry on a conversation with him, I mourned the absence of my vivacious father. When he passed, I assumed there would only be a few of us at the graveside service in my hometown. He had moved out of state with us and had not been in contact with his home church. Would anyone even remember him?

What happened was more marvelous than I can describe. Friends and family showed up in abundance. Paul says Christians represent God’s glory, the shekinah glory, the presence of God in the world. We got a glimpse of heaven and a sneak peek of what was to come. Therefore, my dad was remembered, and I experienced Emmanuel.

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

~2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV

Celebrating

Although we celebrate how the glory of God came down during the Christmas season, we should celebrate Emmanual, God with us, every day. His glory is more awesome than we can comprehend. The light of God shines into our world, homes, and hearts. 

Make sure you let the King of Glory in during this New Year.

Father, You are the radiance of glory I seek. May my life reflect Your beauty to a world that is hurting and life evermore in heaven with You.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: God with Us: Sally Ferguson: All Rights Reserved