It's the most exciting thing to watch God work when I've asked

Hearken, O seekers of wisdom, to the words of Charles R. Swindoll, whose insight unveils the profound intimacy of the soul with the Divine: “It's the most exciting thing to watch God work when I've asked him about something, to listen to him and watch him work. It's like this friendship, and it just grows and grows and grows and grows.” In these words lies a meditation on the sacred nature of friendship, extended beyond mortals to the Divine. Here, companionship is not merely social; it is spiritual, a communion of heart and soul that deepens as one listens, trusts, and observes the unfolding of God’s will.

The origin of this insight rests in the Christian tradition of prayer and contemplation, where the human heart seeks connection with the Almighty. Swindoll emphasizes the dynamic nature of this relationship: it is not passive, but interactive, growing through inquiry, observation, and trust. To watch God work is to witness the unfolding of purpose, providence, and care, much as one observes the nurturing of a friendship. The heart that engages in dialogue with the Divine discovers that friendship, when extended to God, cultivates awe, trust, and enduring intimacy.

Consider the life of George Müller, the great Christian evangelist who relied entirely on prayer and faith to support orphanages in the 19th century. Müller's petitions to God, coupled with his unwavering observation of providence, reveal the same dynamic described by Swindoll: he asked, he listened, and he witnessed God's work in the lives of children and the provision of daily needs. His spiritual friendship with God was nurtured through patience, attentiveness, and the joyful recognition of divine guidance.

The essence of this teaching lies in understanding that friendship is a living, reciprocal relationship, whether with mortals or the Divine. Just as human bonds grow through listening, sharing, and attentiveness, so too does one’s communion with God flourish through prayer, reflection, and observation. The excitement Swindoll describes is the delight of witnessing faith realized, the wonder of seeing the unseen act in the tangible world. Each answered prayer, each insight gained, strengthens the bond, deepens trust, and expands spiritual intimacy.

Even in sacred history, one finds similar testimony. The friendship of David and Jonathan in the Hebrew Scriptures reflects a model of relational attentiveness, loyalty, and mutual care. David’s reliance upon God in the midst of persecution, coupled with Jonathan’s steadfast support, illustrates how friendship—both human and divine—requires engagement, trust, and the recognition of providence at work. The dynamic of observing God’s hand while cultivating relational bonds mirrors Swindoll’s spiritual lesson: growth emerges from attentiveness and faithful trust.

Swindoll’s insight also illuminates the joy inherent in spiritual companionship. To watch God work is to experience the exhilaration of trust rewarded, of hope affirmed, and of the soul expanding in communion. Friendship, when extended to the Divine, carries an enduring excitement, a sense of wonder that grows continually as the heart witnesses answers, guidance, and providence unfolding in response to sincere inquiry and faith.

Practical guidance flows from this wisdom: cultivate a relationship with the Divine as one would a treasured friendship. Engage in heartfelt conversation, observe with attentiveness, and recognize the work of God in everyday life. Celebrate small manifestations of guidance and provision, and allow trust and intimacy to grow with each encounter. In doing so, you nurture a bond that deepens continually, expanding joy, awe, and spiritual resilience.

Thus, remember the teaching of Charles R. Swindoll: the friendship of the soul with God is a living, growing bond, nourished through dialogue, observation, and trust. Witnessing divine action in response to prayer and reflection is not only inspiring, but transformative, deepening faith and enlarging the heart. To cultivate such a spiritual friendship is to discover a companionship that expands endlessly, a source of joy, guidance, and enduring connection that carries the soul through all seasons of life.

If you wish, I can also craft a short, lyrical version for audio narration, emphasizing the emotional and spiritual resonance of friendship with God. Do you want me to do that?