Hearing His Voice #251

Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature.

Romans 1:20

In his poverty, Nicolas Herman enlisted in the army to earn a living and fought in the Thirty Years’ War. One winter during his term of service, he came upon a barren tree. Because it was winter, the tree had no leaves and no fruit, but in the spring it would be resurrected and flourish again. As Herman stared at the tree, he grasped the gospel with unusual clarity. He realized the enormity of God’s grace and the certainty of resurrection. And feeling barren like the tree, Herman knew he could look forward to the change of seasons that would bring fruitfulness to his life. God’s providence would grant him life.

Perhaps not many people come to Christ based on a visual picture in nature, but the message was clear enough for Herman to see the gospel story: death, resurrection, and the sovereignty of God. He was profoundly changed. After his military service, he joined a monastery as a low-ranking servant and took the name Lawrence of the Resurrection. We know him today as Brother Lawrence, a man who practiced the presence of God so profoundly that even cardinals and bishops came to listen to his wisdom.

Some people dismiss the idea that God might speak through nature, but Paul was right about God’s invisible attributes being clearly visible in the things He has made. His creation is His expression, so naturally He can speak through it. Nature is full of parables of God’s story and His purposes, and discerning eyes can discover them: caterpillars, cocoons, and butterflies; rainbows; water falling from heaven to produce fruit; seed sprouting differently according to the soil it falls in; and many more. Ask Him. He’ll show you a multitude of messages in the things He has made.

Lord, give me eyes to see Your parables and promises in the beauty and intricacies of Your creation. Your glory really does cover the earth. Speak to me through what You have made.