In The House Of MiserySample

Look On The White Page, Not On The Dot

When presented with a blank sheet of white paper with just a black dot most of us would zoom right in to the dot—even if it was at the corner of the paper. Why? Because that is what is “glaring” at us in the otherwise spotless surface. 

When Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick the Bible tells us that He stayed there for two more days. God often makes us wait. When we’re waiting on God there is almost a guarantee that blessing is on the way—but it may come in a package we don’t expect. Two passages in Isaiah remind us of this. Isaiah 30:18 reads, “Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” Similarly, Isaiah 40:30-31 states, “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

James Dobson, author of When God Doesn't Make Sense, states, "With no disrespect intended, let me say that what happens in the story of Lazarus is characteristic of the Christian life. Haven't you noticed that Jesus usually shows up about four days late?" 

When Jesus finally arrived in Bethany four days late, Martha blurts out, “Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

She is focusing on the black dot, not on the white page.

Don’t we all do this? We see only the problems—the dark dots in our lives, but do not focus on Jesus who is in control of the big picture—the white page.

We might apply this lesson to our own lives. God may have a purpose in bringing us to suffer a great trial, but it is never separated from His love for us. So often, we see only the immediate, physical circumstances and forget that God has a bigger picture in mind. We may wonder why we have a trial. We may even doubt God's loving care for us. But verses 5 and 6 are very telling of the way God sometimes operates. He will see His beloved children through their trials for a greater glory. God wants us to endure the trial and trust in Him to fulfill His purpose.

Look at the big picture God has in mind for you

Quote: "Sometimes it looks like God is missing the mark because we're too short-sighted to see what He's aiming for." - Oswald Chambers

Application Question: Have you been focusing only on the dark dots in your life? Ask God to open your eyes and help you see the big picture.

Prayer: "Lord, I do not see it, but I know that this trouble may have come upon me for a purpose. Help me to trust You and grow through the experience." Amen