When I was a teenager, I went on a retreat weekend that changed my life. Surrounded by Christian believers who encouraged deep prayer and genuine faith, I experienced the power of the Holy Spirit. After a couple of days of focusing on Jesus I was finally encouraged to “See Jesus in people’s eyes” as I committed to living and walking differently in the power of God. I’ve tried my best to stay focused on Christ ever since, and look for Him wherever I go, especially in and behind the eyes of others I come across.
Each month, I have a couple of opportunities to teach and encourage a group of incredible adults at Midland KRU Day Program. I can pray all I want to see the Lord in them, but it’s almost automatic. The Lord is in that place and in those adults in ways that speak God’s gospel of peace clearly, without having to try or pray for any special sight. Just yesterday I was there and they ministered to me. But that is what happens when our spirit encounters The Spirit.
The front door of KRU, where I get to see Jesus in the eyes of my sweet friends.
“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” —Galatians 2:20
When we live like Paul—having died to our sinful ways and surrendered to Christ as Lord in and over our lives—it is no surprise that Jesus is who He says He is when people simply meet us and get to know us. Our lives witness to Jesus, along with our words as we testify. We can truly be overcome with a special revelation of God’s presence among us when we see Him in the eyes and hearts of people who reflect Him so beautifully and faithfully.
When I meet with my KRU friends, I see Jesus in their faith and in the kindness they show. We talk together often about faith in Christ and just yesterday about keeping in step with Him (Galatians 5.25). When I see their faith, I see Jesus. When people look at you, do they see Jesus? Can they see Him giving Himself for you and for me in your life? Can they picture His wonder-working power in you? If not, there’s some surrendering to do—a crucifying of that which is not of God so that you can experience a resurrection and new life. If they can see God in you, be sure you maintain that look of the glory of God so that they, too, can have what you have!
—Pastor Whit