12.19.11 "The Big Picture"

"The Big Picture"

Zephaniah 1:1-3:20
Revelation 10:1-11
Psalm 138:1-8
Proverbs 30:11-14

When I was growing up, I had a friend whose mom was a nut. She was really fun, but she was crazy, too. When she would watch a TV program she would begin to intercede for anyone in trouble. If someone on the show was sick, she'd start to pray for them out loud. I remember watching Raiders of the Lost Ark with them. She never stopped praying for Indiana Jones! It was actually a pretty cool thing that her heart was close to God in a way that he was her first thought, but she was so wrapped up in the show, it became reality. She even prayed for Peter Sellers when he was in the Pink Panther!

We look at that and we think it's a bit ridiculous to be so caught up in a movie or TV program to think that it's reality. Truthfully, its just as ridiculous that we get caught up in the cares, concerns and circumstances of daily life, and forget what the ultimate reality truly is.

Psalm 138:8 says, "The Lord will work out his plans for my life - for your lovingkindness, Lord, continues forever." We know God is in control, but too often we don't live like we believe it. Our circumstances seem so overwhelming. Our stresses seem so overpowering. 

We need to surrender to the fact that God sees the big picture. The circumstances of our life are only a part of what he is doing to work out his plans for us. We tend to be control freaks. We will surrender if, and only if, we can see how it plays into God's plan. But if we can't see how it fits in, we begin to complain, cry and attempt to control the situation.

When you have the attitude of "The Lord will work out his plans for my life," what circumstance can knock you off course? Each moment of each day we need to align ourselves with that place of humility that says, "God, complete your big picture through me!" 

Zephaniah 2:3 says, "Walk humbly and do what is right; perhaps even yet the Lord will protect you from his wrath in that day of doom." How do you like the word "perhaps" in that verse? 

Do you ever have a hard time sleeping? How do you feel about that? It's easy to be upset about it and be frustrated, OR we can look at the big picture and realize the Lord needs intercessors. You're just laying there anyway! Start praying. No, not about your TV shows, but about whatever the Lord would place on your heart. 

There is no circumstance that can come up in your life that God can't use to work out his plan for you. Live in surrender to his plan. Allow him to do his work in you, and through you. As much as we want to "live the Comfort Zone", it's vital that we "Live the DREAM!" Whatever situation you find yourself in, call out to him in prayer. There may be times it's a prayer of desperation, but in EVERY circumstance get in the habit of seeking God. This will keep the "Big Picture" in focus.


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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