Seeing the Bigger Picture

I have failed to see the bigger picture of all that God is doing here beyond our day to day battle of language learning in spite of the many obstacles thrown our way.

Perhaps, God is using these times to prepare Nepali hearts for the gospel that will come to them through our ministry. Possibly, He is strengthening our marriage to withstand the strain that cross-cultural ministry will put it under in the years to come. Potentially, He is breaking down barriers to the gospel in this country that despises Him and His followers.

There is no way I could know or understand the reasons God has made our first months here so…interesting. But I can trust that the Lord who let us experience the disappointment of a visa denial crushing our hopes to enter the country of India and sent us here to Nepal just a little over a month later was not surprised by any of that. He has a plan and purpose for our time here, and we must be sure not to waste it wishing for something that could have been or wishing this or that hadn’t happened.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Why do I become frustrated when the Lord changes my plans? Certainly He has something better. Why do I spend time questioning what He is doing in my life and in the world around me? Certainly the Creator God who set the world in motion knows how to manage the affairs of human life better than this flawed creation does.

He’s always doing something. He is never idle. When I can’t see or understand, I can rest assured He is at work. Everything works according to His will. He is good and gracious, and He orders my steps! The bigger picture, which I may not see this side of eternity, will be more beautiful than I can ever imagine!

Have you been given the privilege of seeing the bigger picture after a trial in your life?
I would love to hear your experiences in the comment section below!