Showing Up When God Shows Up

by Nohemie Brevil

“Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.’ Jacob rose early in the morning and took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it. And this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.” (Genesis 28:14, 16, 18, 22 ESV)

Jacob’s encounter at Bethel began in an ordinary place—a night on the road, a stone for a pillow. Yet in that simple setting, God showed up. He reaffirmed His covenant, promising Jacob countless descendants, blessing in every direction, and a legacy through which all nations would be blessed. When Jacob awoke, he declared, “Surely the Lord is in this place.”

Jacob did not delay his response. His awareness led immediately to worship, followed by concrete commitment. He set up a pillar, consecrated the place, and vowed to give a tenth of all God would provide. His actions revealed a powerful truth: when God shows up, we must show up too.

God still meets His people today—even after we mess up. Often, He meets us in quiet, unexpected moments. The question is not whether God is present, but whether we are attentive enough to recognize Him. Do we notice His provision, His protection, His gentle reminders of faithfulness? And when we do, how do we respond?

This passage invites honest self-examination. God’s presence calls for more than acknowledgment—it calls for worship, gratitude, and committed obedience. It led me to this realization: everything I have comes from Him, so why not let my life become an offering in response to His faithfulness?

A Personal Encounter

I remember a season during medical school when I began struggling in one particular class. I was studying diligently and putting in the hours, yet my efforts felt fruitless. Discouragement began to settle in. Though I was praying, my prayers were driven more by frustration than faith—but I still refused to lose hope.

One night, I fell asleep carrying that weight. I’m not sure whether I was fully asleep or awake, but I heard a clear voice say, “Do not be discouraged, because God is showing you the way. You don’t have to be afraid, because He has His eyes on you.”

I woke up sobbing. The moment was overwhelming—holy and undeniable. I knew God had met me right there, in the middle of my fear and exhaustion.

I got out of bed and began writing a song using the words I had heard. I titled it “Only Believe.” I didn’t realize it at the time, but that was my response of worship. And the commitment I made in that moment was simple yet life-changing: to believe only what God had spoken over me, not what my circumstances were trying to tell me.

Looking back, that encounter became a marker in my faith journey. God showed up when I felt most discouraged, and I learned that when He shows up, my responsibility is to respond—with worship, trust, and obedient belief. That’s why Isaiah 41:10 continues to resonate so deeply with me. This is what God has always done for me, even me.

Prayer

Lord, help me recognize Your presence, even in the simplest moments. Train my heart to respond quickly with worship and faithful commitment. As You show up for me with Your presence and provision, help me show up for You with sincere praise, obedience, and faithfulness. Let me never delay or take Your goodness for granted. You are worthy of it all. Amen.

Action Items & Reflection

• Have you ever had an encounter with God — or a moment when you knew, “Surely God did this”?

• List places where you are most likely to encounter God (e.g., personal Bible reading, prayer, worship, quiet reflection).

• Are there promises or commitments you’ve made to God but failed to keep? What needs renewal today?

• If you’ve never been aware of a divine encounter, pause now and ask God to make you aware of His presence.