Markers of God’s Activity

Memory verse: Jesus gave them this answer: ‘I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does’ (John 5:19)

Physical Markers of Spiritual Encounters

When Israel crossed the Jordan River into the promised land, God gave Joshua the following instructions: “Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan from right where the priests stood and to carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight” (Josh. 4:2-3).These stones were to serve as a sign to the Israelites. Joshua explained, “In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever” (Josh. 4:6-7). The stones were to remind the people of a mighty act of God on their behalf. On many other occasions people-built altars or set up stones as a reminder of significant encounters with God.

Often people in the Old Testament set up stone markers or altars as reminders of their encounters with God. Places like Bethel (house of God) and Rehoboth (room) became reminders of God’s great activity in the midst of His people. Moses named an altar The Lord is my Banner, and Samuel called a stone Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far has the Lord helped us” (1 Sam. 7:12). These altars and stones became physical markers of great spiritual encounters with God. They provided opportunities for people to teach their children about God’s activity on behalf of His people.

A Spiritual Inventory

I have found it helpful to identify spiritual markers in my life. Each time I have encountered God’s call or directions for my life, I have mentally built a spiritual marker at that point. A spiritual marker identifies a time of transition, decision, or direction when I clearly know God has guided me. Over time I can look back at these spiritual markers and see how God has faithfully directed my life according to His divine purpose.

When I face a decision about God’s direction, I review those spiritual markers. I don’t take the next step without the context of God’s full activity in my life. This helps me see God’s perspective for my past and present. Then I examine the options before me, looking to see which direction is most consistent with what God has been doing in my life. Often one of these opportunities will be right in line with what God has already been doing. If none of the directions seem consistent, I continue to pray and wait on the Lord’s guidance. When circumstances do not align with what God is saying in the Bible and in prayer, I assume the timing may be wrong. I then wait for God to reveal His timing.

**Optional Assignment** 

Prepare a spiritual inventory of your life and identify your spiritual markers. These may begin with your heritage, your salvation experience, and times you made significant decisions about your future. What are some times of transition, decision, or direction in your life when you clearly knew that God guided you? Using a separate sheet of paper, your spiritual journal, or a notebook, start preparing a list. If God used specific Scriptures to speak during those times, record the Scriptures. Don’t think it has to be comprehensive. Add to it as you continue to reflect and pray about God’s activity in your life.