Last week I visited an incredible ministry in OKC that is providing food, housing and spiritual direction to boys that have lost both of their parents. They are led by Pastor Prince who works tirelessly to create a facility that provides the care these boys will need. I was blown away with what God is doing through their efforts.
But what took me aback was a conversation I had with my buddy James after we left. James is the one that introduced me to Pastor Prince. As a financial advisor, James has made a connection with Pastor Prince and provides his congregation with a biblical understanding of finance.
But what struck me as incredible was the domino effect that happened to lead to this seemingly ordinary encounter.
James was connected to Pastor Prince through a co-worker of James’ spouse, Dusti. This co-worker was a daughter of a pastor who had recently passed away and Pastor Prince came in to become the Lead Pastor.
If you rewind just a little more you learn that Dusti only met this co-worker because a toxic environment at her former workplace caused her to seek a new job.
Why am I telling you all this? Why does this matter to you?
Because it shows that there is a symphony being played right in front of us – we sometimes just don’t realize it.
How could anyone have imagined that Dusti’s frustrations in her past work environment would lead to our church beginning a relationship with a Boys Home in OKC?
This is one of countless examples that showcase the reality that through life’s chaos, joys, failures and victories– God is orchestrating a masterpiece.
It’s weird when we sit down and focus on all the things that led us up to this point. Think of all the small decisions you made along the way that led to this relationship, this job, this degree or this experience? When you take a situation and keep rewinding time back to see all that had to happen just right for you to end up in this place at this time it’s almost unbelievable.
So much of our life seems like mere chance. It seems like a coincidence that you had that certain waitress when you went out to eat, that your cubicle is right next to his, that your child got sick on that certain day or that you were asked to be in that meeting.
But there is more going on than meets the eye. God is orchestrating things to bring about His glory!
In Psalm 23:3 David says, “He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
The path you are walking has a purpose. There is a reason you are in this season. There is a purpose behind the situation you find yourself in.
The purpose isn’t to be happy, make money and have all of our desires met. It’s also not to cause you despair, anger and frustration – the purpose is to bring glory to the name of God.
You and I are being guided. Not by some blindfolded, heartless, callused overlord, but rather by a kind, loving, humble yet unbelievably powerful God.
He sees what we don’t.
If life is a parade – you and I are sitting in the back of our SUV watching one float go by at a time. We might be able to see what’s coming up real soon and can reflect on what just past – but our view is completely limited to just a few floats. God, on the other hand, is in the blimp overhead. He has a completely different perspective. He sees the beginning of the parade and the end of the parade. Nothing catches him off guard. He knows exactly how this parade began and he knows exactly how it finishes.
So the opportunities you have been given today are not unexpected or trivial. They are the product of a perfectly arranged song that was leading up to this point.
Sometimes these opportunities are painful. Sometimes they are fun. But no matter if it leads to smiles or tears it is most certainly is not a coincidence.
It’s a path of righteousness that God has you on – For His Name’s Sake.
So today may you look for the opportunities before you. May you see the Great Composer at work and trust he sees what we can’t.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6