• The Testimony of Creation

    By: Kristen L. McNulty



    During the 17th century, Nicholas Herman was born to peasant parents in Lorrain, France. As a young man, his poverty was so profound that it forced him to join the army as the offer of guaranteed meals and a small stipend was too appealing to turn down. One day during his term in the army, Nicholas has a profound experience that sparked a faith that would change his life and the lives of countless others. Nicholas observed a barren tree in the middle of winter, stripped of leaves and fruit. While starring at the tree, it dawned on him that soon the tree that currently looked dead would be resurrected to new life with the arrival of spring. Through that observation Nicholas realized that like the tree, he also was seemingly dead at the moment, but God had the offer of a new life waiting for him and if he in faith would accept it, the turn of the seasons would bring fullness into his life. So Nicholas believed and dedicated his life to God and from that moment on, he saw his life profoundly change. And God used Nicholas, who we now know as Brother Lawrence, to influence the lives of countless believers through his book, The Practice Of The Presence of God.

    What a beautiful picture of the truth of Romans 1:20 which tells us, "For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities- his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God."

    Looking at creation is a testimony to the existence of God for the non-believer and to the believer it's also a testimony, a testimony to who He is as God's character is presented clearly to us in His creation. Do you ever stop and take the time to notice the beauty that God has placed all around you?

    The way solar winds produced by the sun create the stunning beauty we know as northern lights when they blow across magnetic fields? The way the sun creates different patterns and hues of colours as it makes it descent across the horizon as he blesses us with one beautiful sunset after another? The way animals interact with their environment and each play such an important role in our ecosystem? We don't have to look very far to see the beauty of nature and the different aspects of God's character it reveals, His creativity, His imagination, His kindness, His love.

    Psalm 19:1-6,

    The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
    The skies display his craftsmanship.
    Day after day they continue to speak;
    night after night they make him known.
    They speak without a sound or word;
    their voice is never heard.
    Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
    and their words to all the world.
    God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
    It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
    It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
    The sun rises at one end of the heavens
    and follows its course to the other end.
    Nothing can hide from its heat.

    So step outside, put down the phone and take time to experience and appreciate God's creation all around you. Like Brother Lawrence you might find God through it or like many believers since the beginning of time, you might find a new aspect to Him that you didn't know before. The journey is there for taking.

    Reprint rights available on request. Email the author at kristenmcnulty@hotmail.com.

    Return To The Impact Devotional Archive