The Big Picture

My wife is part of a lovely encouraging art group in our village. Each year they decide upon a painting by a well known artist and produce a sort of large mural, for display at the annual art exhibition.

The person who has the master copy, divides it up into tiny rectangles and gives one to each participating member. They then go away and copy it onto a large piece of pre-measured paper, in whatever painting medium suits them. The picture this year depicts friends around a table, sharing a meal together. Any one portion being worked upon may have only part of a face or a hand or some tableware, so each artist may be in the dark as to how it fits in with the rest of the picture. It's not until several weeks later, when all the pieces are brought back and fitted together, does the final big picture emerge.

I think this can be how it is in life. We may wonder at times where we are heading and be unsure what the future holds for us. Life can even feel like being in a fog. But we cannot go wrong if we stay close to Jesus and obey Him day by day. God sorts out all the pieces of our lives and of others, then brings them all together at the right time. This applies whether it's short term or even for eternity. We can rest in the knowledge that Father has everything in hand.

Only God sees the Big Picture. Only He knows what's around the next bend. We can trust Him with our future.

"He has set the right time for everything. He has given us a desire to know the future, but never gives us the satisfaction of fully understanding what he does." Ecclesiastes 3:11

"I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for." Jeremiah 29:11 - both Good News Bible

Read more...

Before We Die

Years ago we were urged in a group to make a list of those things we would really like to happen before we die. I hasten to add that there were no signs that was about to happen! My wife and I made our list and over the coming days refined it and checked it out with God. It consisted of our desires and dreams that we believed He had given us. We then surrendered them to God and kept them close to our hearts.

I'll mention one, because it's one of those that has already come to be. It was something that seemed impossible at the time. We wanted to see our children's children and we now have five grandchildren, who are a great delight. Other items on the list are more far-reaching and personal and we are still waiting. Over time we have had to adjust our thinking. There have been decisions to make and steps to take, some of which have not been understood, but we have had to live with that. At times we have felt really encouraged, believing fruition was just around the corner. At other times we have felt out on a limb, like pioneers walking through treacle in a fog, wondering if we shouldn't go for a safe option, except there is no going back.

I was reading about Nehemiah last night. He had a God-given vision to rebuild Jerusalem. He fulfilled this dream with determination, despite the misunderstandings and aggressive opposition. I noted that each man was responsible for his own section of wall.

God sees the big picture. He is the Great Architect. All we have to do is follow what we believe He has given us. He knows what the future holds and it will all fit together when the time comes. To follow our dreams may seem risky, but I don't think I could live with the regret of having done nothing when it's too late.

"We grow great by dreams ... Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them; nurse them through bad days till they [flourish]; bring them to the sunshine and light, which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true." Woodrow Wilson

"And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions." Joel 2:28 New International Version

"So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart." Nehemiah 4:6 New International Version

Read more...