To wonder about something can mean to think about it or speculate with curiosity. But it can also mean to be filled with admiration, amazement, or awe. Christians are often filled with such thoughts and emotions when they stand in wonder about who God is, what He has given, and the blessings of serving Him.
I recently committed to spending seven weeks experiencing wonder with Father God. You can do the same – starting at any time and continuing through the next seven weeks this summer. Choose one of the following reasons for wonder each week and focus on that topic for one day or every day.
The challenge is for seven weeks, but no matter how much time you spend meditating on these things, you will likely find yourself full of wonder, gratitude, and praise by summer’s end.
Week 1: The Wonder of Our Powerful Creator
With the arrival of summer, opportunities increase to enjoy nature. In the great outdoors, we’re reminded of the beauty and magnificence of creation. It all points back to Almighty God. On those days we get too full of ourselves, it’s wise to remember that God reminded Job he wasn’t around when earth’s foundation was laid (Job 38:4-7). All things were created through God’s power and for Him, and that includes thenations,mankind, theuniverse, theheavens and their starry host, and many other amazing things.
Consider the Creator’smarvelous deeds. The psalmist suggested we proclaim the “praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done” (Psalm 78:4). Why? Because in our busyness, His wonders might be easy to forget. Asaph said the Israelites forgot the miracles God performed for them (Psalm 78:11-16). If you are struggling with anything, let the words of Jeremiah encourage you:
“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you” (Jeremiah 32:17).
Do you need a “wonder” boost? First, set aside social media and endless scrolling on your phone. Then take time in solitude to notice God’s diverse and beautiful creation. The many shades of green in trees. The starry skies. A chirping bird. Isn’t God a wondrous Creator?
Week 2: The Wonder of the Indestructible Word
It’s simply remarkable how God has preserved His Word throughout the centuries. He raised up godly men and women for this task. Even during dark periods of history when the Bible was suppressed by different forces, the gospel message continued. The faithful remnant in every age was used by God to “contend” for the faith and preserve and protect HisGod-breathed Word. Although the original manuscripts have been lost, they were copied endlessly and meticulously by scribes.
Jesus said His words will “by no means pass away” (Mark 13:31). God’s Word isindestructible, and Jesus taught that the gospel of the kingdom would bepreached until the end of time. What a wonder to see God’s Word in the hands of so many people across the earth, reportedly translated into 3,658 languages! The Bible is also wondrous because it is a library of resources. It contains books of history, poetry, prophecy, church instruction, and more. From this tremendous spiritual library, God ministers to His children through the teaching of the Holy Spirit.
If you have a favorite copy of the Bible, pick it up and thank God for it! Open it with fresh eyes, asking God to teach you His truth and ways (Psalm 25:4-5). Meditate on it. Memorize it. Share it with others.
Week 3: The Wonder of Our Perfect Salvation
Luke, the writer of Acts, declared, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). That “no one else” includes ourselves — our good works will not give us the hope of eternal life (Ephesians 2:8; Titus 3:5). The wonder of our perfect salvation is that it is all of God’s wondrous grace.
Because Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, bore our sins on the cross, the Father can heal our sin-wounds and remove our shame. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we too shall live. What wondrous salvation!
If you have received the gift of salvation, savor it. Cherish it. Think about how God saved you and is faithfully changing your heart and mind. Never get over what God has done and is doing.
If you have never received the wonderful gift of salvation, take a look at this article.
Week 4: The Wonder of Encouraging Families
Christians have three kinds of families that touch their lives, and all three are a great source of wonder. First there is the physical family. God ordained the family, laying out the roles in each family unit (Ephesians 5:22-33). Families are meant to be a wonderful source of growth and encouragement. When the family unit breaks down, there is still hope in God. He can restore what Satan and human selfishness tried to destroy.
Then there is the family we choose: our friendships. In different opportunities for connection, we choose the friends we believe will encourage and help us, challenge us to be better individuals, and give us opportunities to bless them. The Bible tells us to choose our friendships carefully (Proverbs 12:26) — they can either motivate us to love and worship God or pull us away from Him.
Our spiritual family is the third source, and definitely not the least. As we rub shoulders with our brothers and sisters in Christ, and allow Him to knit our hearts together, all the “one anothers” of Scripture can come into play. For example, we learn tolove,encourage,honor,serve,forgive, andpray for each other. Best of all, we’ll spend eternity with our sanctified “forever family.”
Consider the wonderful families in your own life. Do you need to call a parent and express love, support, or even ask for forgiveness? Is it time to cultivate a new family of friends, or to catch up with established friends? How has your spiritual family ministered to you? Is there someone in your church family who needs some “one another”-ing?
Week 5: The Wonder of Our Joyful Ministry
No matter our age, gender, status, or occupation, we all have a place in the wonderful Kingdom of God. We can all enjoy prayer, worship, and Bible study; and we can all participate in some form of personal evangelism. God delights in our joyful, creative ministry together with other Christians.
Sometimes we lose the “joy” of ministry. We get tired or frustrated. Our enemy, Satan, makes us think about quitting. But the Word of God encourages believers tostay in the race, to pray and not give up, and to look to Jesus so wedon’t lose heart. God can help us recover the joy. The blessings of ministry outweigh the struggles.
The Holy Spirit gives every Christianspiritual gifts and He empowers believers to use them effectively in service to others as we serve God. Spiritual gifts are useful in edifying (teaching and building up) the Body of Christ until God calls us home to heaven. These gifts are not designed to bring glory to self. The ultimate goal is that God will be praised.
Whether you are in full or part-time Christian ministry — and whether you’re struggling while serving or not — God wants your work for Him to be effective and satisfying. Jesus considered the joy of going to the cross for us (Hebrews 12:2), and we can embrace the wonder of joy in ministry as a love-gift to Him. Take time to meditate on the wonder of your spiritual gifts and thank God for His provision of strength and encouragement as you serve Him — with joy!
Week 6: The Wonder of God’s Abundant Blessings
In Psalm 103:2-6, the psalmist wrote about the “benefits” believers have in God. In The Message, the psalmist urges, “don’t forget a single blessing!” Consider some of the benefits believers can enjoy because they belong to God. There’s forgiveness of sin, physical healing, rescue from the clutches of hell, rewards emanating from God’s love and tender mercies, satisfaction with truly good things, and renewal in His presence. If things feel far from blessed right now, remember the psalmist’swords: “God makes everything come out right.”
An old hymn that urged surrender to God and reliance on His grace begins with a description of God as the “fount of every blessing.” God truly is that for His children. Wondrous, refreshing blessings pour over us. Matthew 5:5-12 enumerates many of the ways believers are blessed in Him, even in the midst of great difficulties. God is our blessed Provider. He is able to bless us abundantly so that we have everything we need to serve Him (2 Corinthians 9:8-10). Greatspiritual blessings are prepared for believers both now and in heaven.
Del Fehsenfeld, Sr., an evangelist for more than seventy years, preached a sermon titled, “Under the Spout Where the Blessings Come Out.” He urged believers to stay there — under the spout — so God could fully bless and use them. Consider all the ways you can stay connected to God; consider how He blesses His people; and consider how He has blessed you personally. Spend some time each day in grateful praise.
Week 7: The Wonder of Purpose-Filled Struggles
In reality, the Christian life is not only about blessings. Sometimes believers face trials that can feel impossible to bear. Yet there is a good measure of wonder even in those struggles. How can that be? The Word of God encourages us that Father purposefully uses every situation toconform us to the image of Christ. He is always graciously for us, designing every circ*mstance for our eternal good. He transforms us through our struggles, cultivating character qualities like perseverance, endurance, good character, and hope (James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-4).
In our struggles — even times of tremendous grief — we can find a greater sense ofGod’s presence and peace. The Holy Spirit who indwells believers “comes alongside” as a trusted friend,interceding for us and teaching us. The writer of Hebrews encourages God’s children to come boldly to His throne in prayer to “find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). The wonder of our struggles is that God — personal and caring — does not leave us to face them alone.
Recall some of the struggles you faced in the past and the wonder of how God faithfully, sometimes miraculously, brought you through each one. Then consider some present trial or difficulty. The circ*mstance may be different, but God has not changed and His purposes for you have not changed. He is still your faithful Father. Trust Him.
Pursuing wonder is such a worthwhile exercise for believers. Summer is only three months long, but the impact of intentionally considering all these “wonders” can inspire your walk with God throughout the year.
Sources
What is the plan of salvation?
The 59 One Anothers of the Bible
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Mary Spickelmier
