"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance . Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
During the past two weeks, God has been pounding me with an answer to my wrestling spirit. Simply put, the answer is , "Step back!" What? "STEP BACK!" When I step back from my tiny picture of the world and expand my point of view, all the events around me begin to look very different. I am able to see a big picture.
The big picture draws my eyes away from my concerns and enables me to see the needs of others as well as God's purpose in bringing about a given trial or event. Sometimes it is impossible to see God's purpose because an event is so very harsh and painful. Still, the big picture reminds me that God is over all things, because I know "that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."(Romans 8:28) The big picture considers that "our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."(Romans 8:18) The big picture is beautiful.
In the past two weeks I have witnessed the pain and suffering of my brothers and sisters. It is painful, and so I weep with them. I pray for them. I write notes of encouragement to them. I show them the love of Christ. I listen. I am also very careful not to flippantly quote a verse about God working it for good. Their pain makes seeing the big picture very difficult. Instead, I pray that the Great Healer will bring about His purpose and enable my brothers and sisters to step back and open their spiritual eyes. If I share a verse, it is carefully chosen to reflect the truth of God's love and comfort.
How can we wear " big picture shoes "? Simple. Open up the Word, read it, apply it. Turn your eyes and thoughts away from yourself. Step back and see the beauty:
" ' No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him' " (1 Corinthians 2:9)
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