By Joyell Nevins – CFFM Blogger
“Pass it, pass it!!” My loved one beside me called down to the soccer player on the field. We were at a pro soccer league game, sitting up high in the bleachers.
The aforementioned player kept running and kicking the ball, unaware of his team players off to the side who were open. Unfortunately, that allowed the opposing team an opportunity to steal the ball.
San Diego Loyal SC plays the Sacramento Republic FC. Photo by Joyell Nevins
We in the stands could see what was available: what the next step to a goal could be. But the individual player on the ground had a more limited perspective – he could only see what was right around him.
God’s Perspective
Life with God can be like that – we are the player, trying to keep the ball going towards the goal. We only see what is directly around us.
But God has a much bigger perspective. He sees opportunities we don’t. He knows what other players are running down the field and what their timing will be.
“’For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says 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.” Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV
God is not just a passive observer. He is continually moving and guiding on behalf of those who love and follow Him. And if we trust Him, He can lead us on the most effective path.
“Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37:5 NKJV
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB
This includes even our mistakes or rough circumstances.
Victory in Trials
Sometimes, if we are following the Lord’s guidance, we can avoid the obstacle completely. Other times, just the fact that we are living on this earth means we will endure trials, like when Jesus tells his disciples near the end of his ministry, “in the world, you will have tribulation.”
BUT Jesus doesn’t end there.
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NASB
In the middle of our trying circumstances, Father God and His Son Jesus never leave us stranded on the field. The Lord can maneuver even through the opposing team (Satan’s) moves and tricks and bring glory out of a situation.
(Joseph talking to his brothers) “As for you, you planned evil against me, but God planned for good, to bring to pass as it is this day, to save many people alive.” Genesis 50:20 REV
This verse is from a speech that Joseph, the right-hand man to the Pharaoh of Egypt, gave to his brothers 22 years after they sold him into slavery. Despite an act born out of jealousy and rage, and more trials that came after that, God maneuvered Joseph into power to save a nation.
The Revised English Version commentary makes this important point: “to us, [some translations] make it seem like God had a hand in the brothers’ evil planning, which He didn’t. God did not plan for Joseph’s brothers to do evil.
They did that on their own by their own free will, and then God planned around their evil plans.”
One of the awesome parts about following a God who can see the whole playing field is that He is never truly thwarted. He can set up moves and see paths we never thought possible.
What a comfort to know we can run confidently on the field of life, trusting in our God to guide our steps to victory.