Seeing God’s Bigger Picture

In review of Philippians 1:12 it says, “I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News” (NLT).

Air travel, email, and other technologies have made worldwide separation much easier, however pioneering with the Good News still requires a high sacrifice. Paul's passion was for others to discover the Good News of eternal life through Jesus Christ, no matter what the cost would be. Pressing through frontiers of spiritual darkness still requires pioneers today, people who will reach neglected people or new people groups. I should pray for missionaries, support and join them. Being imprisoned would caused many to become bitter or give up, but Paul saw it as one more opportunity to spread the Good News of Christ. Paul realized that his current circumstances weren't as important as what he did with them. Turning a bad situation into a good one, he reached out to the Roman soldiers who made up the palace guard and encouraged those Christians who were afraid of persecution. I may not be in prison, but I have plenty of opportunities to be discouraged in my life. How I act in such situations will reflect what I believe. Like Paul, I should look for ways to demonstrate my faith even in bad situations. Whether or not the situation improves, my faith will grow stronger.

No matter what’s going on in my life, the good, bad, or ugly, God is working out a plan. Ever since becoming a Christian on the road to Damascus, Paul had dreamed one great dream: He wanted to preach in Rome, the center of the universe at the time. His dream was to preach the Gospel in the most important city in the world. But God had another idea. Instead of sending Paul to Rome to preach crusades, God made him a royal prisoner of Nero, who was Caesar at that time. Nero was about as wicked and as bad as you can get.

Paul was chained to a royal guard 24 hours a day for two years, and the guard was changed every four hours. Over two years in prison, he had 4,380 opportunities to witness to countless guards. Who’s the real prisoner here? Who had the captive audience? This wasn’t Paul’s plan, but it was God’s all along, and it produced two results that we know for sure.

First of all, Philippians 4 says that within two years, some of Nero’s own household had become believers because of Paul’s witness in the royal court in Rome.

Secondly, it’s kind of hard to get a guy like Paul to stop moving. In prison, he was forced to be still, and as a result, he wrote parts of the New Testament. I wonder which had a bigger impact: his preaching in the Colosseum or the books he wrote that have revealed Jesus to untold numbers of people over the years.

Paul acknowledged that God had a bigger plan, and he could be happy because he saw what God was doing through his problem.

Anytime I have a problem that’s starting to get me down, I need to do what Paul did: Learn to see it from God’s point of view. Ask, “What is God doing here? What’s the bigger picture? What’s the bigger perspective?” Then I’ll be able to face the problem in faith.

In summary, realize that everything that happens to me can help spread the Good News. Pioneering with the Good News requires a high sacrifice. Paul had a passion for others to discover the Good News of eternal life through Jesus, no matter what the cost would be. While I may not be out in the world being a missionary, I can pray and support them. Like Paul, I need to realize that my current circumstances aren't as important as what I do with them. I can turn a bad situation into a good one. While I have plenty of opportunities to be discouraged, how I act in these situations will reflect what I believe. I should look for ways to demonstrate my faith even in bad situations Then whether or not my situation improves, my faith will grow stronger. No matter what's going on in my life, God is working out a plan. Anytime I have a problem that's starting to get me down, I need to do what Paul did: learn to see it from God's point of view (What is he doing here? What's the bigger picture? What's the bigger perspective?). If I do, then I'll be able to face the problem in faith.

Late yesterday, I find myself in a unique situation where the highest levels of leadership want to review my team and work tasks associated with them. Instead of being apprehensive, I can look at this as a blessing to help me with the organization and prioritization of the workload myself and my team needs. I’m already choosing to see this as a bigger picture area. I’ll just need to trust God with the outcome.

This morning Father I thank you for additional perspective on a recent development. I pray that you will help me with this perspective. I also ask for your wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. I pray this through your Son Jesus name, Amen.

God Always Provides. All I Need to Do Is Ask

In review of Romans 8:32 I'm reminded that, “Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?” (NLT).

I never need to feel that I am not good enough for God or worth saving. If God gave his Son for me, he isn't going to hold back the gift of salvation. If Christ gave his life for me, he isn't going to turn around and condemn me. He will not withhold anything I need to live for him. 

When I was a child, anytime I needed something, I’d talk to my dad and mom. They would figure out where the money would come from. It was only my job to ask. Likewise, It’s not my job to figure out how God’s going to provide. It’s only my job to ask.

This verse in James 4:2 reminds me, “You do not have because you do not ask God” (NIV). So, I need to worry less, and ask more. Instead of worrying, pray about everything.

Romans 8:32 says, “Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?” (NLT).

If God has solved my biggest problem, everything else is small by comparison. If God loved me enough to send Jesus to die for my sins, shouldn’t I think he loves me enough to help me with my needs: finances, health, relationships, career decisions, solving a problem at work, or with a specific deadline?

There’s no area of my life that doesn’t interest God. He already knows what I need, but he still wants me to ask him for it. Instead of worrying, pray about everything.

In summary, God didn't spare anything to save me, I shouldn't think that he wouldn't meet any other needs I have. There is no reason to feel that I'm not good enough. He will not withhold anything I need to live for him. Also, it's not my job to figure out how God is going to provide. It's only my job to ask. Often, I may not have because I haven't asked. Instead of worrying, I need to pray about everything. There is no area of my life that doesn't interest him. God loves me enough to help me with any of my needs. 

In the really big things in life, I include God, however in other area’s I don’t. I need to remember that God is willing to help with anything, if I ask.This can include confusion of priorities at work, dealing with perceived deadlines, and even unrealistic expectations. God already knows what I need, but I believe he wants me to recognize that I need to put his first. This morning Father I pray that your Spirit reminds me that I can ask you for anything. I also pray for wisdom and guidance for my day, leadership and interaction with others. I pray these things through your Son Jesus Name, Amen.

Sow in This Season to Reap God’s Blessing

In review of Galatians 6:9 I'm reminded, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” (NLT).

It can be discouraging to continue to do right and never receive a word of thanks or to see any tangible results. In this verse, Paul challenges the Galatians, and myself, to keep on doing good and to trust God for the results. God’s Word promises that In due time, that I will reap a harvest of blessing.

Every farmer knows that what you sow in one season, you will reap in another season. You plant in the spring, and you harvest in the fall. The way I respond to someone or to a situation right now is definitely going to affect my future. If I respond correctly in a season of life and I do the right thing, even when I don’t feel like it, it pays great dividends in the future. 

No matter which season I’m in, there are four questions I can consider that will help me reap God’s blessing in the next season of my life.

First, what can I learn in this season of life? There are some things I will only learn through experience. Deuteronomy 11:2 says, “Remember today what you have learned about the Lord through your experiences with him” (GNT).

Secondly, what can I enjoy in this season of life? God’s Word tells me to, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV). I am to live the good days and bad ones with a sense of gratitude, because each day is a gift from God.

Thirdly, what is most important for this season? Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (NIV). If that’s true, then I can’t have it all at one time. I have to make some tough decisions about what really matters at this particular time in life.

Lastly, how can I help others in this season of life? The Bible says clearly that I wasn’t put on this earth just to live for myself: “Whenever you are able, do good to people who need help” (Proverbs 3:27 NCV). God gave me abilities, talents, and energy to help others.

In summary, do what is good all the time. Don't give up. For at the right time a harvest of blessing will come. Paul challenges me to keep on doing good and to trust God for the results. In addition the way I respond will affect my future. I need to do the right thing, even when I don't feel like it. I need to consider, what can I learn through this experience, what can I enjoy (God wants me to live with thanks and gratitude), what's most important (there is a time for everything), and how can I help others (whenever I can, do good.) I'm to help others with my abilities, talents, and energy. No matter what’s going on, it’s important to sow correctly.

Today Father I pray, “Jesus, I want to grow in you. I want to develop spiritually. Please use the seasons of my life to help me mature in my faith. Would you teach me to trust you in every season, even the difficult ones? Lord, I invite you to be at the center of every season of my life, so you can build the character that I will take with me to heaven. I pray for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. I pray these things in your name. Amen.”

When I’m Feeling Lonely, I Can Know That God Is with Me

In review of 2 Timothy 4:16-17 Paul says to Timothy, “The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death” (NLT).

At times I may not feel very brave, but like Paul encouraging Timothy, the Lord will give me courage. God always wants to give me the strength to do what he has commanded. This strength may not be evident until I step out in faith and actually begin doing the task. 

When I’m lonely, where is God? He’s where he has always been: right beside me. He is with me even if I don’t feel it. The Bible says over and over that if I have a relationship with Christ, God is with me all the time. He says, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20 NIV). He’s always with me. I’m never really fully alone.

God is with me, it’s a promise that I can cling to in my times of fear and loneliness. It’s not only a comfort, but it gives me an opportunity to get to know God better.

Times of loneliness is an opportunity to become better acquainted with God. In my season of loneliness, I need to recognize God’s presence.

What I’m learning is that prayer is a powerful antidote to loneliness. God has a 24-hour drop-in service. I can talk to him anytime, anywhere, anyplace, and he understands how I’m feeling when I say, “God, I’m lonely. I hurt! My heart is splitting. I am miserable. I feel empty. Help me, God.” I can talk to him anytime.

David admits in the psalms, “Where can I flee from your presence?” Nowhere. I will never be in a place where God isn’t. If I’ve trusted Christ, he’s with me in my heart. So choose to refocus on that when I feel lonely.

In summary, when it appears that everyone has abandoned me, the Lord will be there with me and will give me strength. I may not feel very brave, but the Lord will give me courage, for God wants to give me the strength to do what he has commanded. This strength may not be evident until I step out in faith and actually begin to do the task. I should never question with God is, he's always there even with I don't feel it. He's always there, and I am never alone. When I'm lonely, it's an opportunity to get to know God better. Prayer is a powerful antidote to loneliness. I can talk to him about anything, anywhere, anyplace, and he completely understands how I'm feeling. 

I thank you Father for your presence in my life all the time. When I feel lonely I only need to remember that your always there. It’s an opportunity for me to pray and get to know you better.

This morning Father I pray for focus and calmness as I approach my day. I ask for your wisdom and guidance in what I do, my leadership, and my interactions with others. I thank you for your grace and forgiveness. These things I pray in your Son Jesus Name, Amen.

Not Wasting Seasons and Times of Loneliness

In review of 2 Timothy 4:13, I read “When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers” (NLT).

Just before Paul made his request, he told of how others with him either left on their own will or he sent them out. He was now by himself. Because he was a prisoner in a damp and chilly dungeon, Paul asked Timothy to bring him his coat. Even more than the coat, Paul wanted his papers. These may have included parts of the Old Testament, writings about Jesus, copies of his own letters, or other important documents.

This verse gives me some clues as to what to do when I go through seasons of loneliness. When this happens, I need to make the most of my time. This means making the best of a bad situation. I need to resist the temptation to do nothing. Rather, I should take some action, any kind of action and try to think of creative ways to take advantage of the seasons in which I’m alone.

Paul wrote to Timothy from prison and asked him to bring him his coat and his papers (study materials). When I experience seasons of loneliness, I need to be comfortable and productive. Even though he was lonely, Paul didn’t throw a pity party. He didn’t complain or give up. This is Paul, one of the greatest Christians who ever lived after Jesus himself, who won countless people to Christ, and who is completely alone in his final days. What does he do? He makes the best of the situation. He utilizes his time. He says two things:

“Bring my coat.” Those Roman prisons were damp, dark, and cold. He did the best he could to take care of himself. It is true of human nature that when we are lonely and depressed, we don’t take very good care of ourselves, physically or any other way. We don’t exercise. We don’t rest well. We don’t eat right. Paul did the best he could to take care of himself. 

“Bring my books.” Paul was a people person. He didn’t like to be alone; it wasn’t the way God wired him. Being in solitary confinement in a Roman prison was the opposite of where he wanted to be. Yet he did the best he could. He wrote letters that today are included in the New Testament. Maybe the only way God could slow him down was to put him in solitary confinement. And some 2,000 years later, we get to benefit from Paul’s loneliness.

In summary when lonely and in a bad situation, Paul did what he could to take care of himself and tried to be productive via study and writing. (He asked Timothy to bring his coat, books and papers.) When lonely, I too need to make the most of my time or a bad situation. I need to resist the temptation to do nothing or not take care of myself. Instead, work towards being comfortable and productive, making the most of the time. 

When I find myself lonely, instead of being tempted to do nothing, I should reflect and evaluate where I’m at and where I want to go. I should also use these times to perhaps take a walk and get some exercise. Like Paul perhaps something that comes out of these times may be of a benefit to someone else.

Father thank you for using a simple statement such as this to teach and instruct me. Help me to use my alone time to take care of myself and to be productive. I pray this morning Father for your wisdom and guidance for my day, my thoughts, my interactions with others. Help me to be of service and assistance to others. These things I pray in your Son Jesus Name, Amen.