Jeff Anderson shares personal stories to illustrate his relationship with an “invisible God” in Divine Applause. Anderson’s focus is upon getting God’s attention and catching “buzzer shot” moments with God, those special moments when we recognize that God was at work in our lives and the lives of others.
Instead of using the Bible as it is written, Anderson adds to it when it makes a better story. He creates the name “Steve” for Abraham’s “Chief of Staff.” “Steve” is charged with going to Abraham’s home to find a wife for Isaac. Since Abraham’s servant is not referred to as Eleazar in Genesis 24, Anderson rightly asserts that we cannot assume that this servant is Eleazar. So, Anderson names the servant “Steve.” Anderson tells us that Steve’s “buzzer shot” was when Rebekah gave him a drink from the well and then watered his camels.
Anderson writes,
God is interested in you, and He’s waiting for you to engage in a real walk with Him. The basic ingredients of the Christian journey are simple but were never intended to be dull. Maybe that’s why Steve’s story, and so many others in the Bible, jolt us into looking up and expecting more in our relationship with God. p. 54
Anderson claims that Jesus gave us secret ingredients to connect with God and “notice Him noticing us” in Matthew 6. Giving, praying, and fasting are Anderson’s ingredients to wait on God’s notice.
Anderson uses his experience as an earthly father to understand his relationship with his Heavenly Father who is invisible to him. Unlike Anderson, I see God throughout His creation, and feel His presence as He surrounds me and is within me.
Jesus told the disciples, “lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28: 20 In addition, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 6:19. Our Heavenly Father notices His children constantly, unlike earthly fathers. It is God’s children who do not notice Him.
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8
Anderson is focused upon getting God to notice him and getting God to give Anderson signs that God notices him.
I wonder how God would respond.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
My prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for surrounding us with Your presence. Help us to notice You in everything we do. Help us to get our eyes off of ourselves and upon You. We love You, Lord; teach us to draw near to You.
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