There are people watchers and then there are people watchers like one of my children who will remain unnamed – not to protect the innocent – but to protect me!

Stories could be told about the look on her face and the near calamities it caused when others noticed her gaze! Oh, the look on their faces!

It reminds me of those disciples staring at Jesus as He ascended to heaven and were then interrupted by two men who said, “what are you staring at?” Acts 1:9-11.

That scene is a reminder that in the redemptive story of you and Jesus, it’s not finished. There’s more to come and it’s going to be good.

Yet we all get caught staring occasionally at the here and now:

A goodbye we don’t want to end.

At a perplexing question.

A seemingly impossible situation.

A medical prognosis or bill.

Maybe you’re staring at a flag on the shelf or photo of a loved one.

Thank you service members and loved ones who’ve given it all. It’s hard to look away from what you’ve done and endured for us.

But Christ didn’t leave us staring when He ascended. In Eph. 4:7-10 He gave something on His way up to Heaven you might lose sight of in a cloud of disillusionment or despair.

He gave you grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:14-16). I don’t think I could say it enough: God’s grace is poured out in measure to give exactly what you need. It’s always enough if you’ll believe it and receive it.

And He gave you gifts to remind you of His victory. The imagery in Ephesians is beautiful. It’s like a military general returning with the spoils of his victory and sharing them with you.

Maybe you forgot in the fog of what you’re facing, the warfare in your flesh or the spiritual battles you’re enduring that Christ has defeated sin, death and the grave.

Perhaps you need 1 Cor. 15:55-58 Right now. It helps when you’re caught staring.

But Jesus also gave us gifts to utilize in service to others as He has served us. I’ve found that one of the fastest ways to stop staring is to start serving.

Whatever spiritual gifting you have is more than enough to make a difference in the lives of others while awaiting that great and glorious day when Jesus retrieves the rest of us!

If you’ve been caught staring a little too long maybe it’s time to do what those disciples did just before they started using the gifts Christ had given them (Acts 1:14).

So, here’s my question to you. Where have you been staring a little too long when you could be using your gifting in service instead? Reply and let me know. I read every email and love hearing from you.

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