Hyper-Seeing

Published in Daily Bread Teen Edition (YouVersion Holy Bible App) – “Hyper-Seeing” by DR

Scripture

Romans 8:28-30  (ESV)

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

For the Adults:

Have you ever wondered how artists can turn a block of wood into a carving of an animal? Or a lump of stone into a person’s face? Artists have a word for this: “hyper-seeing”. When they look at a block of wood, rather than seeing the block, they can see the image they want to create from it.

Hyper-seeing is also a good description of what our all-seeing God does. He sees all that we are – and more. He sees what we will be when He has finished His work in us, when we stand before Him at the end of our lives, blameless and without fault. The God who started this great work in us will keep going until He finished it on the day Jesus Christ comes back (see Philippians 1:6). Bit by bit, He is chipping away at us each day to make us look even more like His Son.

God’s work in us can’t be stopped. Whether we’re enjoying life or feeling low, God is at work. Whether we’re looking forward to today or wishing it would pass quickly (like what’s going on with the COVID-19 stuff!), God is going to use everything we go through to keep shaping us.

For the Kiddos:

Enter:

  • For kiddos: what do you want to be (like a teacher, doctor, police officer, fireman, nurse) when you grow-up and become an adult?

Hear:

Read the Bible Passages. (Romans 8:28-30, Philippians 1:6 (ESV)) For younger children, a picture Bible may be used. 

Pause

Take a few seconds, or maybe a minute to sit with the scripture in silence. This might be a great time to choose a different place to do your devotional time. Maybe sit outside or in the backyard and be still and let God’s word work in their hearts!

Wonder:

  • In what ways do you look more like Jesus today than you did last year? Or even yesterday?

  • What is God “chipping away” in your life right now to make you more like Jesus?

Bless:

Affirm what was discussed about the story.

  • List out three traits or characteristics about Jesus that you would like to model in your own life (eg: humility, slow to anger, peacemaker, teacher, etc.).

  • Pray daily to God for ways you can show those traits or characteristics to others.

Praise God, Give thanks, Pray for others, confess sins, Praise God!

Example:

Father God, you knew each of us before we were made or formed in our mother’s womb, and you know what each of us are capable of becoming. Shape us to become more like your Son, Jesus. Give us His humility, grace and forgiveness to be the salt and light in this dark world. Thank you for loving us so much to keep molding our hearts and lives to be yours! We pray all this in the mighty name of Jesus! – Amen!