Only God Knows the Big Picture

Do not be discouraged! How easy it is to say but how hard it is to do!

As human beings, isn't it so easy to be discouraged when things do not go the way we'd planned? Right now somebody dear to me has recently been faced with hard news. To make a long story short, a particular plan they had been banking on fell through and they are left with what seems like a scant set of options that seem rather impossible and complicating.

It is in the midst of these situations, however, that God's power is enacted. Read 2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.


Situations where we feel helpless, hopeless, and ultimately weak, are the best situations for God to work His power. Oftentimes it is only in the midst of weakness where we see our need for God, and it is when we are in "without" that God can make us vibrant and full.

It is only God who knows the bigger picture. As humans we are often bound by tunnel vision. We set our minds on one thing unaware of the blessings that are to be found in different avenues and possibilities. It is up to us to painstakingly trust in our Lord. No, we can not and should not trust God only when it is easy, but we should especially trust God in the midst of difficulty, when we are in between a rock and a hard place, when we see no absolution in sight.

Although every human instinct in our body may tell us that all is useless, we are to go against this grain and fight to trust in our Lord. We must not worry as Philippians 4:6 proclaims "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything" and bring our fears, doubts, and difficulties to the Lord through prayer. We must endure and persevere and pray for direction during these times, and especially seek God through church, fellowship, and importantly His Word for answers. We must believe, because without faith we displease God (Hebrews 11:6). So do not be discouraged, instead trust...the Lord will create paths for you out of thin air and bless those who remain faithful to Him.

I will be praying over this situation, and let you know how the Lord works =)