“Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the lights from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. So evening and the morning were the fourth day.
Genesis 1:14
While reading verse 14, I find my heart encouraged. We read that God took into consideration not just the present need of lights in the heavens but what would be necessary for the future. Man was not created at this point, and neither were the creatures of the earth. But God here “divided the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons and for days and years…” He knew man’s need for direction and He placed it in the stars. For thousands of years sailors have found direction from them. Today we have a “farmer’s almanac” that gives guidance to the passing of seasons, weather, and length of daylight according to the placement of the sun, moon, and stars. We see God’s present actions worked together for His overall good purpose of what was to come.
I like that, because I don’t always see the purpose of my present circumstances, or even my past for that matter.
As a hobby I like to rock climb, sometimes outdoor, occasionally indoor. While at the climbing gym a friend of mine was belaying for me. While my perspective was limited to what I could touch and see, my friend who was anchoring me spoke guidance to me where I should reach, and where I could find a firm foothold. I didn’t always see it, but he had a perfect understanding and view, and guided me straight to the top.
In the same manner, I don’t know what tomorrow holds. God on the other hand looks upon our present circumstance and instructs us to take hold of the promises of His word, giving us the security He has established for our life. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense and as I’ve found, I don’t have the ability to get a firm hold on where He’s leading, I fall, I slip, I lose my grip. But, He graciously holds our rope; He anchors us in the moments of weakness and shortcomings. The better we understand that we are safely in the grip of God and He will lead us safely in His sovereign purpose, the more we will enjoy the journey.
God’s will is to get us to the top. He desires to have us abide with Him. Romans 8:28 tells us,
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to HIS PURPOSE.”
In His time you’ll see He has drawn you to trust, obey, and abide in intimate relationship with Him through all circumstances.
For a look at God’s heart and vision for us read Psalm 139, take your time and consider how the Lord has been involved with you through the years.
