The Big Picture
December 9, 2015
1 Corinthians 13:12 “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.”
While spending time at a Birmingham hospital I would often stand and look out a large glass window overlooking a circular parking lot. I was high enough to see the entire area and could tell where the vacant parking spaces were. Time and again I would watch cars drive through the circle in search for a space only to drive away again to park in another area. I wanted to tell them they were wasting their time but of course, they had to find out for themselves. Their view was limited to just a few feet in front of them. Similarly, God sees us and our lives in their entirety but we can see only the small portion in front of us much like the people searching for a parking space. If they only knew what I knew – if we only knew what God knows. But we do not, by design, as the apostle Paul wrote, “We can only see dimly now and we must trust that God sees the big picture and in His love and compassion is working things out for our good.” (Romans 8:28) The people looking for a parking space probably never saw the big picture, but we can be encouraged that someday we will see clearly and understand what God’s big picture for our lives looks like. When what you see right in front of you is discouraging, take heart; God sees it all and He has a plan unfolding for your life.
While spending time at a Birmingham hospital I would often stand and look out a large glass window overlooking a circular parking lot. I was high enough to see the entire area and could tell where the vacant parking spaces were. Time and again I would watch cars drive through the circle in search for a space only to drive away again to park in another area. I wanted to tell them they were wasting their time but of course, they had to find out for themselves. Their view was limited to just a few feet in front of them. Similarly, God sees us and our lives in their entirety but we can see only the small portion in front of us much like the people searching for a parking space. If they only knew what I knew – if we only knew what God knows. But we do not, by design, as the apostle Paul wrote, “We can only see dimly now and we must trust that God sees the big picture and in His love and compassion is working things out for our good.” (Romans 8:28) The people looking for a parking space probably never saw the big picture, but we can be encouraged that someday we will see clearly and understand what God’s big picture for our lives looks like. When what you see right in front of you is discouraging, take heart; God sees it all and He has a plan unfolding for your life.