The movie Unbroken is based on the true story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner, World War II prisoner of war, and devout Christian. As the last scene of the movie was being filmed, a storm threatened to block the sunlight needed to shoot it. Director Angelina Jolie, impacted by Louis’ faith, did something she had never done before. In front of the whole film crew, the self-proclaimed agnostic dropped to her knees and prayed out loud for a miracle.
Whether divine intervention or not, like a scene out of the Old Testament, the rain stopped, the sun came out, and a rainbow appeared in the sky. Then, shortly after the crew had filmed the last scene, the sun disappeared behind the clouds and the rain returned.
The Old Testament book of Daniel records the prayer of a person who wasn’t in the practice of praying. Nebuchadnezzar, the great king of Babylon, was a proud leader who refused to acknowledge the sovereign rule of the Creator-God (Daniel 4:30).
To humble him and show him who’s really in charge of the kingdoms of the world, God drove the king away from the comforts of a palace life and gave him the mind and behavior of a wild animal (Daniel 4:32-33). After 7 long years of living in the outdoors and eating grass like a cow, Nebuchadnezzar finally “looked up to heaven,” and God graciously restored his sanity and position (Daniel 4:34-37).
Having regained his right mind, the humbled king offered up a prayer to the “Most High,” acknowledging, “His rule is everlasting and his kingdom is eternal” (Daniel 4:34).
Dramatic events like these don’t happen every day, but both stories remind us that the Creator-God wants to make Himself known to us—sometimes in small and sometimes in big ways. Are we looking?
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 17:16-34
More:
Read Hebrews 1:1-2 and consider one way God has spoken to us.
Next:
How has God revealed Himself to you lately? What are some of the less-sensational means He uses to helps us understand His will and His ways?
Gary Shultz on November 4, 2015 at 6:16 am
I’m glad the “less sensational” phrase was included in the next section, because that is the most sensational to me. God knows and plans when stunning events fit His agenda; however, the “less sensational” the kind, regular, small voice of our Father seeks those who He knows. No burning mountains, no storms calmed, just what He had planned in the beginning, spending time in His presence admiring His greatness and provision. I would certainly agree with you when magnificent events occur we need to look in amazement to see what God is doing. Thanks, I’m watch’n
jim spillane on November 4, 2015 at 12:59 pm
Gary – not only “less sensational” but often not even realized until later on. I try to remember to thank our Almighty Father each and every day for his countless blessings both realized and unrealized.
Jeff Olson on November 4, 2015 at 1:42 pm
Jill, great point…we often don’t recognize God at work in real-time…
Mike Wittmer on November 4, 2015 at 7:10 am
Thank you for this good word, Jeff. I tend to see what I’m looking for. May I remember today that even ordinary pleasures come from the hand of my Father.
Jeff Olson on November 4, 2015 at 7:58 am
yes…the seemingly everyday, ordinary events and pleasures of life are truly extraordinary glimpses of our Creator-Father-God.
Tom Felten on November 4, 2015 at 8:15 am
Jeff, much like king Nebuchadnezzar, all of life comes into true perspective when we see and acknowledge God for who He is!
Jeff Olson on November 4, 2015 at 1:43 pm
Isn’t that the truth!
Roxanne Robbins on November 4, 2015 at 2:43 pm
Jim Spillane – Prior to reading your comment above, I don’t think I’d intentionally distinguished between realized and unrealized blessings. I’m fairly certain my tendency has been to focus and give thanks mostly for the realized; the seen; the received; the tangible. Thank you for the needed nudge to give thanks to the Lord for the unrealized blessings as well.