God’s
Other Book
By Susan Klein
“For since the
creation of the world God’s invisible qualities - - His eternal power and
divine nature - - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been
made…”
Romans
1:20 (NIV)
Like
many others, I have read through the entire Bible, cover to cover. I used to
believe that everything I needed to know and all the answers to life’s
questions were in this Book. I discovered I was wrong. Some things can’t be
learned from the written word and some questions simply have no answers this
side of heaven. Might I deduce that God’s Book is incomplete? Perhaps. Faith
wouldn’t necessarily have a place in our lives if all the answers were in black
and white. However, I believe the Creator has given us a second source from
which to glean valuable truths. It is what my friend affectionately calls:
“God’s Other Book.”
Look
around you. Were you reading it while you gazed at the evening sun disappearing
from the horizon as the sky turned brilliant with color? You didn’t fear it was
gone forever because the Author assured you it would return the next morning. And,
when those crocuses and tulips popped up from the snow-covered ground, did they
make your heart dance with joyful anticipation of spring and new life? This is
God’s Other Book. In fact, you read it on a daily basis. There are lessons
you’ve learned, pictures of God’s character you’ve seen, and answers to
questions you’ve found in its pages. It’s a book that has brought you great
comfort and hope as you’ve seen it, felt it, and experienced it.
Consider
the Monarch butterfly, just one of over one million species of animals you’ll
find in this book. A tiny, fragile creature that can be crushed with the
slightest of pressure, yet has the incredible strength to fly over 2,000 miles
to overwinter in a very specific high elevation forest in Mexico. Its offspring
instinctively know to fly north again, often returning to their place of
origin, to find the food they need to survive. [1] What do you read about strength
and endurance here? How does it speak to you of God’s character, His design,
and His provision? What joy does it bring you to watch the fluttering of its
magnificently colored wings?
Spend
some intentional time in God’s other Book. Don’t walk blindly past it, don’t
skim quickly over it. Immerse yourself in it. See what He has for you amongst
its pages!
GOING
DEEPER:
1.
Take time this week to be still before God’s creation. Ask Him to speak to your
heart through what you see. Listen for His voice. Offer Him your worship.
FURTHER
READING:
Susan is married to
Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing,
and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She is a member of the Peace Team at
Oakwood.
