The Bigger Picture

One of the greatest mistakes we make that stunts our spiritual growth is losing sight of the proverbial bigger picture. For example, I prayed for opportunities to serve, and God flooded me.  On another occasion, I prayed for God to remove the thorn from my flesh, but He must have said no because it’s still there.  If I am too myopic and focus only on the pieces of the puzzle – the specific “yes” or “no” answers  – I miss seeing how the meshing of the two together shapes my character.  Both the yes and no flame the fire that molds us into a child of God fit for the kingdom.  Humbling ourselves by serving others and faithfully trusting God when He says no equally shape our character and dependence on God.

When Paul prayed for God to remove the thorn from his flesh, God said, “My grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9).  God helped Paul see the bigger picture.  The thorn, the persecutions, and all the other discomforts formed a pixelated image that Paul chose to ignore.  Instead, Paul understood that God’s grace paints the entire picture that Christians must see.  In spite of every disaster we may face, the greatest gift of all – God’s grace – is “sufficient” because spending an eternity in God’s presence is the big picture God wants hanging on the walls of our heart. In other words, keep this life in perspective.  What more can we ask for than salvation from our sins and an eternal home with God?   

Paul’s Spirit-inspired statement,  “All things work together for the good of those that love the Lord” is a big-picture moment. The good, the bad, the yes, and the no all work together for our good if we trust God and remain faithful.