In a FoG

June 25, 2008

By Greg Ebie

I can only imagine what went through Duane’s mind. But, then again, I didn’t really care what he thought. Duane was my roommate my freshman year at Evangel College, a Christian college in Springfield, Mo. Midway through the spring semester he walked into our room and found me lying on the floor in a puddle of tears. He got his things and left the room as quickly as he came in. Duane never asked why I was crying like a baby.

Alone in my room before Duane entered, I had an encounter with God. The Lord clearly spoke three words to my heart: “IN HIS TIME.” In that moment I knew that God was in control and that He would direct my life day by day. I didn’t need to worry about the future anymore. The reality of God’s love for me and His provision at that moment and what the Lord would do “In His Time” to meet my need overwhelmed me. I laid on the floor weeping; I was powerless to do anything. When I was finally able to speak, it was in my prayer language. It was some time before I was finally back on my feet and functioning normally—whatever normal is!

“The choir and trumpets made one voice of praise and thanks to God — orchestra and choir in perfect harmony singing and playing praise to God: Yes! God is good! His loyal love goes on forever! Then a billowing cloud filled The Temple of God. The priests couldn't even carry out their duties because of the cloud — the glory of God! — that filled The Temple of God” (2 Chronicles 5:13,14, The Message).

I can only begin to imagine what it was like for those gathered that day. The cloud of God’s glory and presence filled the temple. They were literally walking in the FoG — the Favor of God.

That is my desire personally, for my family and our church — that we would walk in the FoG. I want us to experience the reality of God’s love and mercy, to know His power and presence.

Last night Susie and I were driving in a fog so thick we could hardly see. Needless to say we slowed down quite a bit. It makes me wonder — could the fog have gotten so thick that we would have just stopped?

That’s how I want to experience the FoG of God’s presence. I want it so thick I have to walk by faith and not by sight. So dense I just stop everything else and rest in His presence.

Let’s not settle for anything less than a thick covering of God’s FoG in our lives every day!

— D. Greg Ebie is senior pastor of Praise Assembly of God in Garrettsville, Ohio, and an author of Daily Bread devotionals.