In the rush of daily life, it’s all too easy to miss the ways the Holy Spirit is at work around us and in us. What if we trained ourselves to look for those moments intentionally? I recall a story once shared by James Dobson about a woman who began doing exactly that. She started writing down every time she noticed God moving in her life, approaching it like an investigative report. She named it her “I Spy” story. A simple way to spot God’s fingerprints even in the ordinary, everyday moments.
At first glance, those individual entries often didn’t appear extraordinary. A small provision here, a timely word of encouragement there, a sense of peace in the midst of uncertainty. Yet when she stepped back and reviewed the accumulated record of God’s interventions, the total picture was beyond amazing. A clear trail of His faithful presence. Moved by this, she shared her journal with her church, and the entire congregation was deeply moved. They all began keeping their own “I Spy” journals, and it truly transformed the prayer life of the whole church.

This idea has taken on fresh meaning for me recently.  Just a short time ago, I underwent carotid artery surgery. My carotid artery was 90 to 99% blocked and if I did not get the surgery done right away I was going to die or be disabled. It was an overwhelmingly frightening event. At the time, I was very disconcerted and dismayed. It felt like ‘where in the world is God?’

Documenting it now strengthens my faith and serves as a reminder that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He actively attests His presence in the lives of His believers, as He has for me.
How true this is for each of us! We are called to be active chroniclers of our prayer lives and of God’s hand at work in our daily journeys. As the Psalmist models for us:
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” (Psalm 77:11-12 NIV)
Pause for a moment and reflect: What was your most recent supernatural encounter or evident step of Christian growth? Maybe it was an unexpected answer to prayer, a door that opened when all seemed closed, healing in body or heart, or a moment of clarity that brought you closer to Christ. Don’t let it pass unrecorded. Write it down. Start or add to your own historical “I Spy” account. It’s not merely personal reflection. It’s an act of worship, a way to cultivate gratitude, and an invitation to share those testimonies with others so they can see God’s faithfulness too.

It was only in retrospect that I saw the hand of God so clearly. Hindsight is always 20/20.  In that season of vulnerability, God’s hand was unmistakably present: sparing my life, granting the medical team skill, precision, and clarity. It stands as one of those clear, evidentiary “I Spy” moments in my personal history. But only by chronicling this and looking back is it so plain and clear that God was truly there.

“Your story might be the encouragement someone needs today. And besides helping others, looking back at the times God strengthened and helped you can be the catalyst to help you through your own future valleys & difficult moments.. Recognizing and remembering that He has delivered you before and can be trusted to deliver you again can be your soul’s elixir to help you again in the next storm.

Jesus Himself highlighted the importance of returning thanks when He healed the ten lepers and only one came back to glorify God. He asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” (Luke 17:17 NIV). Let’s purpose not to be among those who forget. Instead, let’s celebrate His provision as Paul did, trusting that “my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NIV). What a wonderful reminder to be intentional accounters and sharers of His goodness!
Have you kept a journal of God’s faithfulness? What “I Spy” moments stand out when you look back? Share in the comments below. Your story might be the encouragement someone needs today. Let’s urge & encourage one another on to recognize Him more clearly in our own journeys. 💜🙏