Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” John 13:7
I am by no means an avid hiker. I do enjoy a semi-challenging, invigorating jaunt to the top of a mountain. But much more than the physical exertion, I look forward to the long-range views visible only from such a location.
In Maine you can actually drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain. This may feel a tad like cheating, but nonetheless it is the preferred mode of many travelers.
Perched at the top, a map of nearby communities is laid out. Things look quite different from this altitude and an insightful understanding lies right before your eyes.
Suddenly the way the towns intersect makes more sense. The harbors and bays are clearly defined and perhaps most important of all, the awe striking complexity and beauty of God’s handiwork is on display.
When things seem random and uncertain in our daily lives we can find the “someday” clarity Jesus spoke of when he allows us a glimpse of the view from a spiritual plateau. From this vista we see how random interactions and seeming coincidences were actually anything but. The winding trail traversing the wilderness begins to take on a meaningful design that is only attributable to the hand of God moving actively in the details.
In these moments I can relate to the travelers on the road to Emmaus:
Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at the moment he disappeared! Luke 24:31
Most of us spend little time up on these mountain tops. Ground level, where things often make far less sense, is where we usually find ourselves. The quick peek at the plan of God is often very fleeting and yet has the potential to completely replenish our faith and reset our determination to trust the hand we cannot see.
During seasons of confusion recognizing how each twist and turn, hill and valley, work together to get us to the right destination is often just out of reach. We plod on trusting that God must have things under his control and hoping we are listening and responding to the still, small voice rather than our own longings and desires.
When I descend the mountain top and can no longer grasp the intricacies of God’s plan I need to remember it is only my ability to see the map that has changed. The big picture is unaltered. God’s oversight is still active. Even my seemingly haphazard decisions are within his direction.
The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Psalm 37:23
Those intermittent stops at the scenic overlooks often allow us to connect the dots and gaze in awe and wonder at the masterpiece being orchestrated by the hand of God through the trail of our experiences. From our perch it becomes clear “coincidences” were actually Divine Appointments. Closed doors were instigated by a holy hand. Unexpected events were intended to bring us exactly where God intended.
Of course obedience and earnest pursuit of the will of God is not without importance. Responding to His direction is absolutely critical to our timely arrival. There are times God will step in and redirect us against our will when we are walking in our own stubbornness but let’s not conduct ourselves in the manner that would necessitate this type of intervention! And if we find ourselves in need of redirection, let us be quick to remember that even this is the mercy of our loving God.
For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:12
We live in an unstable time. A quick glance at the headlines could send us into panic mode as we are presented multiple scenarios of how the world is about to implode. Our stability, our confidence, and our hope are found only in our God. Nothing is taking him by surprise. No one is going to override his will or his plan.
The unnecessary fretting and fussing we all participate in does nothing to resolve our storms. Jesus spent a good deal of time telling us not to be afraid.
What is the price of two sparrows-one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31
Those in the crowd listening to the words of Jesus saw sparrows as common, unimportant, and inexpensive. They were about the cheapest things that could actually be purchased. In fact, they were so inexpensive that there was a buy four get one free special. (Luke 12:6) And yet, even the single sparrow, thrown in for free, is not overlooked by our Father.
Next time you face uncertainty remind yourself that God’s got it!
You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! Psalm 139:5-6
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