WONDERSTRUCK

The first time I went scuba diving I was AWESTRUCK.  

Suspended at thirty feet below the water’s surface and not more than twelve inches away, I was transfixed by an extraordinarily beautiful puffer fish. The moment its neon eyes met mine, he puffed himself out showing off every exquisite detail of his spiky and colorful girth.  

Another World

I couldn’t believe my eyes. The puffer fish was one of thousands if not millions, of other richly colored sea-life that lived in and among the massive coral reef in Bonaire, Netherland Antilles. I was indeed swimming in another world, a world I couldn’t have imagined; and a world most people never see.   

Perplexed

Even though only sixteen, I remember feeling perplexed that something so spectacular existed and until then, I wasn’t even aware of it. Sure I picked up my share of shells on the beach, but until my close encounter, I really had no idea. It made me feel small, but also incredibly fortunate. It was an awesome – wonder – moment. How could anyone experience what I just did and deny a divine creator? 

Let Wonder Finish Its Work

I marveled to Mrs. Szabo, my host on this extraordinary trip. She said something that I’ve never forgotten.  “Debbie, that’s why we were created — to be wonderstruck.  We have a built in longing to experience the wonder of God.”  “But don’t be fooled,” she added, “so many are satisfied with the photo op. Instead let wonder finish its work.”

The way I understand it, we must allow the wonder of God to seep into our souls and change us. If God did this and this and that, shouldn’t we consider how much more wonder lies ahead?  And when we acknowledge the Creator, from whom all blessings flow, shouldn’t all that wonder compel us to praise?

It’s not just a breathtaking sunset or a medical miracle, or an experience that gives us goosebumps… It’s when we KNOW we witnessed God’s hand and we say to ourself… I want to know the God that would do that. I get to know the God that would do that.

God Goes Where He’s Wanted

Philip Yancey once said, “God goes where He’s wanted.” That got me to thinking. Do I want more OF God? Or do I just want more FROM God. It’s a fine line.

When I want more FROM God, the focus is on me and God becomes a tool to accomplish what I want. To want more OF God is to delight in His presence. It’s as if I buckle up next to Him, excited for the ride of my life, in spite of the uncertainty. I trust Him with every up and down and twist and turn and with expectancy, I embrace His wonderful yet unpredictable will.

Isaiah 29:13,14 13. These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught. 14. Therefore once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder. 

I’ve Settled

Like those Israelites, my heart has lacked zeal while I go through the motions. Without intention, I realize I’ve unbuckled myself and I’m watching from the sidelines. But check out how God shakes things up in verse 14. 

Recently, I witnessed God do something unexpectedly wonderful. But instead of confident praise, I’ve been guarded. Instead of allowing wonder to finish its work and praise God, I cautiously wait for the other shoe to drop.  

But God…

Just as He did for the Israeli people, God has shaken things up by astounding me with wonder upon wonder. 

During Ian’s rocky volunteer camp experience, I assisted the application process for a paid position for this school year. With helpful advice from insiders, but knowing it was a long shot, we did all the right things. As we waited, discouragement mounted.

Then… when giving up was imminent, a principal called Ian. Flustered, he disconnected the call. He didn’t “catch” her name or where she worked or even what she wanted. Unsure how to proceed, I prayed for this unknown woman. Lord, may she be the one you’ve handpicked. Give her persistence and eyes to see what You see.  Give her a glimpse of Your wonder. Help me to get out of Your way.  Amen. 

An hour later the mysterious woman called me. She mentioned the failed phone connection and asked if Ian would be willing to interview. Cool, calm and collected I assured her, Ian would be delighted. 

Many remarkable ‘coincidences’ later and…NOT because of Ian’s carefully edited resume and cover letter, NOT because of Ian’s charming interview, NOT because of Ian’s capabilities or even my determination. Because God’s wonderful surprise could not be thwarted and within twenty-four hours, Ian got the job.  After only five days, I’m still pinching myself as His wonders pile up. 

On day 1, Ian learns that the former youth group leader from church is also a teacher there. Day 2, Ian reports that he feels normal for the first time in three years. On day 3, eight year old Isaiah asked Ian to be his best friend. On day 4, co-worker Rick, invited Ian to the movies.  And on day 5, the principal reported how delighted she is to have Ian working there. 

O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder…

Remembering my Daddy bellow “How Great Thou Art” two weeks before he passed away was an awesome wonder moment.  The lyrics of that beloved hymn convey the power of wonder. Every time we sing the stanza, we too bear witness to how wonder finishes its work. 

O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder
consider all the works thy hand hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
thy power throughout the universe displayed;

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee,
how great thou art, how great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee,
how great thou art, how great thou art!

Awesome Wonderful Father, I praise you for YOU.  Forgive me for trying to contain Your wonder. When I lose expectancy, I’m grateful that You re-capture my heart by astounding me. Thank you for awakening my soul to sing. Help me to always want more OF you. Your way is always better! Amen.