SNEAK PREVIEW

Do you remember going to a movie theater when you were surprised by a “sneak preview,” a film yet to be officially released?  Sometime ago I read a book called, “Jesus on Every Page: 10 Simple Ways to Seek and Find Christ in the Old Testament.”* The title and table of contents of the book give readers a hint of what to expect inside the cover, an indication of what is to come; that is, “a sneak preview.”

As believers, we have an advantage over those living (or should I say ‘dying’?) in the world without a relatIonship with God and His Son Jesus Christ. We know the end of the Story. The Bible affords us a “sneak preview” from the beginning of creation to “the end” and beyond.

I wonder… how many “sneak previews” do I encounter in my daily life that I am not aware of?

So often we carry dreams in our hearts, promises that God has revealed in His Word or to us personally. The answers seem so long in coming. We don’t want to hear the stories about Abraham and Sarah who waited 25 years for their promised son Isaac to be born or the Israelites enslaved in Egypt for 430 years or that God’s people roamed in the desert for 40 years before they entered the Promised Land.

Just when our hope is about to run out, we read a scripture or receive a phone call or some blessing that tells us God hasn’t forgotten His promise.  Then when the fulfillment doesn’t immediately follow, we are disappointed or discouraged again and doubt His goodness.

What if we looked at these signs or blessings as a manifestation of God’s presence and a “sneak preview” of the fulfillment that we long for? Would it help to build up our hope and strengthen our faith?

Dear God, knowingly or unknowingly, You are what we long for. Open the eyes of our hearts to see the “sneak previews” that point to your presence among us. Wash away our discouragement and help us build our faith and trust in You. May You receive all the honor and glory!