Think you are in control? It may be an illusion. What we see from our viewpoint is only the outline of the picture; the shadings of meaning have yet to be sketched. Perhaps that is why God is so absolute. So exact. He speaks His truth – words that hold this world in space and its beings in time. How can we see His plan? For instance, in war God is not concerned about numbers. It is an illusion to believe that a multitude of enemies outnumber those who call Him Lord. Most of us cannot see or feel the angelic presence of God’s mighty army that shadows the people whom God protects. Also, through devastating storms of personal tragedy we are borne and over dried, cracked ground of fearful thoughts our feet are led, often unaware of Him who is coloring in the details of future hope.
As Psalm 107 declares, “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” If we would only see with a clear eye.
When asking why all this pain, it doesn’t help to look at the canvass of another. Seeing those green pastures, fine houses, and carefree expressions as you pass by may pick your heart and cause you to say, “What’s fair about that?” Perhaps, though this is just another illusion, a pretty picture on the outside, static and still. What have we to do with that? It’s the difference between buying a framed landscape to hang on the wall and purchasing real estate on which to build a house. The latter demands our focused attention.
Our daily life is often a battle of good over evil, but we are called chosen and faithful who walk with Christ Jesus. The illusion of peace for the multitude who do not know God’s plan is the weapon of deception that will blind them to the bright hope of redemption. Yet, the mind which has wisdom is in the person whose trained eye sees past the drawn images of this fading life and immerses himself in the completed portrait of the body of Christ.
Church, layman, pastor, leader, parishoner, sinner – we are all called to seek meaning in the mysterious images of our times, our own image a colorful impression in God’s art. As the song proclaimes,”I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see. “
Sixty-six books in a year 