Colored shirts
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. – 1 Corinthians 13:12 NIV
The drill field at the military college was still mostly in darkness, as I took a morning walk with a friend. The faintest hint of light signaled that dawn would soon approach. The military students, with their exercise squads, became visible in the middle of the drill field.
Something was unusual that day. Normallly the students dressed in uniform exercise clothes. Today, the increasing light revealed a riot of color. It looked chaotic. It had no pattern. Just different students wearing different color t-shirts and uniform pants. I love every color of the rainbow. Why should this bother me? Because it was different from the usual order. The exercise squads seemed in disarray.
About 20 minutes later, something changed on the field. The students were called to order, and they prepared to march around the central campus. As they fell into line, I realized each marching squad wore identical colors. What had earlier seemed to have no rhyme or reason suddenly made sense. It was as if the field were a large kaleidoscope, and someone had just turned the view. I saw from a new perspective. The pieces had all been there. I just hadn’t seen the bigger picture.
It’s the same way as God moves in our lives. We see bits and pieces, and we feel that life is in disarray. Then God moves His hand over those pieces, and everything falls into place. We see from a new perspective – His perspective. The colored shirts on the drill field were a reminder that even when things seem in disarray, we need to have faith and seek God’s perspective.
Heavenly Father, help us to see from Your perspective every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
In whatever situation you are struggling with today, ask God to show you His perspective.
God’s perspective tends to be way different from mine. However, it seems that some of the Bible verses I learned as a child come to mind just when my life has turned to total chaos. Isa 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” Isn’t that the truth! As I look for order in my life, I see chaos, I see hard times and I see what I perceive to be failure. However, I’ve lived long enough now to have seen God turn each of those perspectives upside down, bringing beauty from my ashes and strength from my weekness. Praise God that he has the power, the mercy and the grace to continue his work in me. What a grace and encouragement in Phil.1:4 “. . .being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” As I am being transformed into the image of Christ, I press into his promise of no more sorrow, no more pain, no more tears or fears. When Christ comes to gather us home, I will be ready. Thank God!