We were recovering from a nightmare of my own making. Sitting on the couch in our small house we were excited and discussing our “dream home” and future in vivid detail.

Just days later while out driving I saw it: “For Sale by Owner”.

We inked the deal that soon became another kind of bad dream.

Pregnant and a one-year-old in tow we were about to be “homeless”. The seller’s financial difficulties put the deal in jeopardy, and the buyer of our home was inflexible.

Finally, after a delayed and stressful closing we moved in. It was on our first night in that new home with Lorie and our daughter fast asleep that another nightmare occurred.

Startled awake I stared into a dimly lit hallway with fear gripping me. I was having one of those dreams where you’re partially awake but literally paralyzed.

Don’t laugh, but I thought aliens from outer space were coming for my family. I said don’t laugh; it was just a dream but it was dreadful!

Gen. 28:16 reminded me of that house and that we can be more like Jacob than we care to admit.

It’s those chapters of life where we feel homeless, alone or running from something we’ve done or from ourselves.

Yet one thing is common in all of it.

Did you happen to catch those words from Jacob? “Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.”

Color me clueless or count it learning by experience but too often I miss what God is doing or that He’s present. Sometimes I forget to even look and run right into Him!

I think it’s common, do you?

When Lorie and I were mere months into our faith journey God was using a house and some unbelievable dreams to create close encounters that were pillars we would later lean upon.

 Read v. 10-15 and you’ll see what I mean. It’s those promises.

That home in Scottsville was where God revealed Himself amid drama, dreams and a few nightmares. You’ll have places like that too, but don’t miss it: God is in that place.

But then Jacob also did something you don’t want to miss (v. 16-19).

You’ll awake to some dreadful moments that call for a monument to your meeting with God. It’s the fearful place where God gave you assurance for the rough journey ahead.

Nightmares are common. But some are meant to be remembered. Decades later Lorie’s faith and mine has grown. We have some places we can now revisit and remember what God did there.

Each unfolding drama of life in frail flesh is a place of discovery where God is waiting to reveal Himself to you. Remember to look around (or back) and find Him.

Whatever the dream or nightmare you experience (whether real or imagined) stop and look carefully so you can be more aware: God is in this place – and has been waiting for you to notice.

So, here’s my question to you. Where do you need to look and see that “God is in this place” and what monument will you build to remember it? Reply and let me know. I read every email and love hearing from you.

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