Fingerprints are evidence of someone being there. Each are unique. I’m not sure when or where the concept of God leaving His Fingerprints is from, but it has become one of my default responses throughout the day. This intentional looking for His Fingerprints keeps my relationship with Him fresh & Joyful. Each time it creates a God Story.

One of those stories happened last month at CARTI. I don’t remember exactly what was said, but it was the awkward dance people do getting on the elevator. I must have made some light comment that cut the tension because everyone laughed. This followed by two ladies discussing, “It’s Chicken Fried Steak today in the cafeteria.” Of course I had to participate in this conversation. Here we were, total strangers in a stressful environment laughing about chicken fried steak. (Note: No one recognized God’s hand moving at this point.) Mary & I followed these ladies into the cafeteria laughing & joking all the way. When we were finishing our delicious chicken fried steak, one of the ladies walked up to our table. She began thanking us for the conversation and telling us about her son who was receiving cancer treatment. After we prayed, I said to the lady, “You know this didn’t just happen. God orchestrated our ‘lil dance at the elevator, the chicken fried steak day…this moment was ordained by God to tell you He loves you…He knows what is going on…and He is in control…Because, with God, Nothing Just Happens!” The obvious Peace & Joy is something I will never forget.

God uses us, His Followers, to leave His fingerprints on people’s lives. BAM! We are told in 1 Thessalonians 4:18 “Therefore encourage one another with these words.” What words? The answer is God’s Word. Here are a few of my favorites…

• When King Jehoshaphat stood before God & his people, facing annihilation he prayed, “For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” 2 Chronicles 20:12
• When God put His loving arm around Joshua and said, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
• Jesus tells us, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’ John 10:10
• Jesus’ personal promise to His followers, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:28

We are called to be His messengers…to leave His fingerprints. Isn’t it time to take the gloves off in this “ruff” and tumble world? Isn’t it time each one of us obeyed the same command God gave Joshua before crossing the Jordan River to claim the Promise Land, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9?

In Revelation 22:12 Jesus told us, “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”