Sometimes, we are simply too close to the opportunity or problem to see the bigger picture. I try and remind myself of this every time things aren’t clear yet. God doesn’t require my understanding, he just requires my trust. If you are facing something, a problem, pain, tragedy, a big decision, pull yourself back a bit. I know this is hard because it’s not natural, to be honest we are too attached to how we “feel’ sometimes and our senses, our feelings, emotions can make things unclear.
One thing I try to keep in front of me is God is sovereign. I mean, God is never unaware of the things I go through in life, he knew I’d face them, he is with me when I am facing them and he’ll help me through what ever I am facing. As I read stories of biblical figures, great people of the faith, they all, always trusted God. Think of Joseph in Genesis, that guy was called by God but went through a lot of things, we would defer to as, bad luck. He was betrayed by his brothers, thrown in a pit after almost getting killed, he was sold into slavery, he was promoted, thrown into Jail, accused of rape before finally putting it all together. The bible says something quick to over look…
“The LORD was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. Potiphar noticed this and realized that the LORD was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did” (Genesis 39-2,3)
Did you catch it? The LORD was with Joseph! Imagine being thrown in Jail but understanding, the LORD is with you. Imagine getting laid off but understanding, the LORD is with you. Imagine tragedy, pain, trials…but understanding, the LORD is with you. Yyu see, it’s not what we go through that qualifies God, God is God regardless of our circumstances and what’s even better is that he PROMISES to always be with us. This positive perspective, this positive and powerful way of viewing life, this simple change in perspective makes all the difference.
Found your blog through Dan Blacks.
Love your post. I remember hearing once, “God isn’t surprised by anything, you might be surprised, but he isn’t.”
That has helped me go through some tough times. God knows what we are going through and he knows how it all ends, we simply have to trust.
TC, so great to have you share and bless others
From your own experience.
Thanks for swinging by.
I agree by the way.
M_
There is such power in understanding that God is with us. It caused David to stand up against Goliath, gave Joshua the courage to take a bunch of nomads into the Promised Land, it helped the disciples face beating and torture and death, and caused Joshua to pray a crazy prayer asking God to make the sun stand still (seriously, I have NEVER even considered asking God to interrupt nature like that). When we know He is with us, it gives us courage to make a difference.
Powerful reminders here Jason. Thank you.
M_
At times it takes pushing back and looking at the big picture of what is going on. One of the benefits in doing this is seeing God in the picture and how He is working in and through what is going on.
Its all about remembering we cannot see the big picture, but God can.
M_
So true:)
I once had a teacher who graphically “charted” Joseph’s life. It was ups and downs. But then he charted God’s closeness to Joseph: a straight line that never wavered. It’s kinda a hokey exercise, but it was impactful at the time. He is with us no matter what.
I love that, you should blog that graphic chart, I’d love to see it.
M_
Wow! I really needed this today. Thank you. It is so true that we can overlook the divine fact that God is there with us in all things. You reminded me of Psalm 143:5 – “I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.”
When we open our hearts to God’s Hand at work in our lives, and trust that He knows what He is doing, we can rest.
Dan was right, your blog is great. Thank you for being a blessing to me this day.