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As we step into the holiday season, it’s a good time to pause, breathe, and truly notice the blessings—both big and small—that have touched our lives this year. Gratitude has a way of softening our hearts, deepening our connections, and reminding us that even in challenging seasons, there is light to be found.
God always wants the best for us, and He’s committed to showing us how to follow the specific plan He’s designed for each of our lives. And when we begin to wander from the course God has set for us, He’ll take all kinds of measures to capture our attention and protect us from harm.
He has a wide variety of ways to help us take notice, among them:
1. A Restless Spirit
Sometimes God gets our attention by making us restless (Est. 6). If you experience restlessness deep within—something you cannot quite identify—stop and pray, “Lord, are You trying to say something to me?”
2. A Spoken Word
God also gets our attention by using the words of others. If several people in a short span of time begin telling you the same thing, ask the Lord if He’s trying to speak to you through them.
3. An Unusual Blessing
God may bless us in an unusual way to gain our attention.
4. Unanswered Prayer
Sometimes God will answer a prayer with “no.” He may remain silent to our prayers as a way of prompting us to examine ourselves.
5. Disappointment
The Lord may allow setbacks in our lives to keep us from charting our own course.
6. Extraordinary Circumstances
Sometimes God will use extraordinary circumstances to get us to stop and listen. Learn to look for the presence of God in every circumstance of life; He leaves His footprints and handiwork all around us (Ex. 3).
7. Defeat
God may use defeat to show us the truth. But even this can prove to be a great stepping-stone to success (Josh. 7).
8. Financial Troubles
The nation of Israel fell into idolatry and disobedience in the time of the Judges when “every man did what was right in his own eyes” (Judg. 17:6). Only when God took away every material belonging did they cry out to Him (Judg. 6:3-6). The Lord knew exactly what it would take to get their attention. The same is true for us.
9. Tragedy, Sickness, and Affliction
When King Hezekiah became prideful, God used illness to alert him to the problem (2 Chr. 32:24). When Saul of Tarsus persecuted Christians, God struck him with blindness—a tactic that certainly got his attention (Acts 9:1-19). We should regard our tragedies and afflictions as reasons to inquire of the Lord, “What are You trying to say?”
The Father always knows exactly where you are in your journey of faith and precisely what it will take to get your attention. Take notice if any of these divine methods are occurring—or recurring—in your life. If they are, ask Him what He wants to tell you, and then listen … not simply to hear, but to obey.
This is my command: Love each other. John 15:17
Happy Holidays from the CSFA Board of Directors, Staff & Committee Members!
Sam DiGiovanna is a 40-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as Fire Chief at the Monrovia Fire Department, and currently serves as Chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale. He is Director at Large with the California State Firefighters Association, Associate Director for the California Training Officers Association and a consultant for www.Lexipol.com