As I flew out of the Sepik region Friday morning it was first class. But don’t be jealous. Yes, I was in row 1 but it wasn’t a luxury seat. There was very little leg room for my cramped feet and nowhere to put my carry-on. But the view out the window was definitely first class. Once I got over the uneasy feeling of sitting directly in line with the points of 10 ft. long propeller blades spinning only a couple feet away from my head, I started enjoying the amazing view. We followed the coastline for a while and it was breathtaking–especially as the rising sun was reflecting off the infinite Pacific horizon. At this elevation waves looked like glass. Jungles looked like carpet and mountain ridges like ripples in the carpet. Houses were difficult to see and people were like flees that sometimes moved in the carpet. 🙂
Then it dawned on me that this is how God sees the earth. Looking down he sees us as we really are–very, very small. In our minds, our world usually consists of a bubble that reaches only a few feet past our nose. Sometimes maybe even as far as the community around us. But God sees the nations, the world, the big picture, even the unseen world of the universe. He sees big issues that we can’t see from our vantage point. He sees storms forming (both physical and spiritual) before they even show up on our radar. He even sees past the horizon called the Future. Wow! What a huge advantage He has over us earthlings. And yet I still try to control my future and figure it out from my earth view!
But thankfully, God’s vision is not limited to a bird’s eye view. He sees details that makes microscopes seem like big picture. He knows every atom in the universe with precision and counts every hair on our head. But most importantly, He cares about those details of our life and somehow balances that with the big picture too. I guess I can trust someone like that, huh?
Now that I’m back on the ground, I hope to wrap up my time in PNG trusting that He will lead in the many unknowns I face this week as I head towards the home stretch. Lots to consider and pray about for the future of our ministry and for the Bible Training needs of the PNG people. Will you pray with me for the heavenly/earthly wisdom that only He can provide?
Bryant says
Thanks for the reminder of His perspective and how majestic He is. Looking forward to hear about all He did while you were in PNG.
Gene says
We praise the Lord for His care for you during your stay in PNG! Thank you for your ministry to these needy people. Only eternity will reveal the results. Have a safe trip home.