6 Comments to 'God knows the big picture…'
Subscribe to comments with RSS
:: Trackbacks/Pingbacks ::
No Trackbacks/Pingbacks
God knows the big picture…
Posted By MaryBeth
Exodus 29:46, “They will know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.”
I have been reading in Exodus about when the Israelites were leaving Egypt and God told them to ask for gold and valuables from their neighbors. He said, “Tell the people that men and women alike are to ask their neighbors for articles of silver and gold.” (Exodus 11:2) Now, for the Israelites, this was probably very strange. First of all, how awkward for them as slaves to approach their masters and ask them for, not just a handout, but a valuable handout! They had to have been questioning what God was asking them to do. Secondly, they probably were wondering why in the world God would have them tote all that stuff when they were obviously going on a long journey. Hadn’t God heard the phrase, “Traveling light?”
Then I got to the part when God instructed the Israelites to make the priests’ garments and the tabernacle furnishings. As He carefully listed off what the people should make and how to make it, it was clear that God was thinking ahead when He asked them to take the gold and other valuables from the Egyptians. He knew in advance what He was asking and how it would all turn out. Exodus 12: 35-36 says, “The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold and for clothing. The Lord had made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the Egyptians.” Even though the Israelites couldn’t see the big picture of what they were facing, God could. He had it all under control. He didn’t ask them to do anything He hadn’t already prepared them to do.
This story was a great comfort to me today as I pondered the Egypts in my life. I thought of the times when God asked me to trust Him and obey—even when what He was asking sounded crazy. I thought of how He knows the future and provides our needs ahead of time. I thought of how He can soften hearts as He did with the Egyptians and how I can trust every situation to Him. He sees the big picture, when all I see is what is right in front of me. I need to rely on Him when the future looks scary. I need to say “yes” to whatever He asks of me, instead of arguing based on my limited view. I can only have a big picture of life when I see it through His eyes. That truth continues to bring me peace—even in the midst of this crazy, mixed-up world. I hope that it will bring you peace and hope today in whatever you may be facing in life.
Feb 8th, 2007
i love that title -! He is bigger then we are and can see the whole picture sooooo much better. shalom to you.
I really needed your post this morning. Been asking God my own “why’s” and “How come’s”. Yesterday I just let God know that since He didn’t do it the way I thought it ought to be done, then obviously He is going to do it better. So I will be content with that. I anticipate seeing exactly how He intends to do it!
Marybeth,
I see the evidence of God working in our lives everyday. Our 20/20 Hindsight can be a powerful tool in helping us to understand why we need to trust and obey. Even when we don’t understand why God wants us to do something or go someplace we can trust that we will eventually see the answers to all of our ‘why’ questions.
Our family just recently made a major move (read my blog) and all throughout the transition we have seen how God has prepared the way for us. Most recently we give praise that God has provided my husband with a good job and great benefits as our daughter was just diagnosed with a chronic illness - something which we wouldn’t have been able to handle financially just a few months ago. Now we can concentrate on helping her feel better without the stress of paying for it all. God is good. God is very, very good.
Looking back, I’m thankful for all of the times I’ve said ‘Yes’ to His will. I’ve seen that the road has been prepared and made easier, even though at the time I may not have thought so. God is faithful and will always provide for us.
- God bless
I have been reading Exodus too. A great book in the bible. Thanks for clarifying the part about the priests’ garments and the tabernacle furnishings. I hadnt made the connection.
Thanks also for making it applicational. Its great how we can trust Him in every situation. Its awesome how He sees the big picture.
Thanks again Marybeth
It’s awesome to see how God continually provides what we need just when we need it. Every time I witness this in my life it strengthens my faith.
Thank you so much MaryBeth,
You blessed me today in August when it has been pretty hard. But Thanks be to God Almighty, he used your posting to minister to me today and I was just doing some research on the tabernacle. How great is our God, thank you for that revelation Wisdom and encouragement today.
your brother in Christ,
-Richard.