“Then you will know that I am . . . the Lord your God, and that there is no other. . . .”

— Joel 2:27

Sometimes God gives us clear signs of his work and presence in our lives. I often call them thin slices of heaven. They remind me of a breeze that suddenly blows through an open window and brings refreshment. There are times in our lives when God opens a window and gives encouragement, confirming exactly who he is.

Years ago, as part of a Mothers Who Care group, I prayed with other moms for the students and teachers in the school my kids attended. Though our family moved to another location later, I knew we had planted seeds and could trust God with the results.

Then, in another city 15 years later, as I worked in an outreach ministry at a local church, I met two of those former students in my group. Both had now started a relationship with Jesus. Both recognized me from the moms group from years earlier. We had prayed and expected Jesus to do great things, and he had worked in the lives of these young people. They embraced the love Jesus offered and were passing it along to others. As we embrace what God gives us and use it to bring the kingdom of God near to others, our lives also change.

In what ways has God pre­sented you a thin slice of ­heaven and shown that he is God?

Thank you, God, for reminding us again that you are the Lord and you do great things. Help us to use the gifts you give us to share your love with ­others. In your name, Amen.