The Grand Canyon at sunset is a sight that I would pray every human being could behold at one point in their lives. Viewing the canyon is an all-out assault on every scope of one’s vision. You get the distinct feeling at times that what is before you is so immense that it feel s like it is swallowing you up. As the sun sinks lower, the tips of the mesas and plateaus glow with a fiery orange, augmented by shades of red and brown. By the time the sun sets over the western rim, you know you have witnessed something extraordinary.
I am privileged right now to enjoy some time away with my family out west. Like many others who have made similar treks, I have paused while taking in such sights to reflect upon what seems like my awfully small part in earth’s big arena. “Getting away” implies enjoying a temporary escape from what we allow to become our routines…and ponder where those routines are taking us. For me, this means examining again my role in assisting people to connect with their creator and sustainer.
In short….my job is getting harder and harder.
More and more people are convinced that their problems and challenges are insurmountable. When this happens, all of our focus is on our problems. We may forget how many challenges have been overcome in the past by a combination of perseverance, determination and faith. We forget that to this point we have been brought to solid ground, and focus instead on difficulties in front of us that appear overwhelming and ready to swallow us up. These mindsets are showing up in politics, marriage and all arenas of life. No matter how much we’ve overcome in our past, we seem crippled by an idea that “no problem is as big as my current problem.”
Like standing on solid ground facing an enormous canyon, wondering how in the world we are going to get around it.
The story of Job has been a challenge and hard to fully interpret for generations of scholars and believers. Its themes of hardship, questioning and redemption unfold at times like Greek tragedy. There is a passage that comes to mind when God is finally answering Job and his friends concerning why all of the horrible things are happening to Job. God reveals the basic truth that He is in control, all of nature and mankind are in His concern and that a simple trust in Him is what He expects. Job says something very interesting when acknowledging the greatness of God and his own limited understanding. Job concedes “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you” (Job 42:4.)
We must see God. We must see His work in our lives, not just hear about what God can do. The Bible does make very clear that faith in God comes by hearing His word (Romans 10:17.) Eventually our faith will lead us to “see” God’s “unseen” works. Paul says it best in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18: ““For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” This isn’t necessarily miraculous. It is a simple acknowledgment that He is in control and He has plans for our lives that allow us to overcome obstacles if we are faithful to Him.
He has brought us this far – don’t forget that. He doesn’t promise ease and comfort at all times, but He does give us ultimate victory. Your most recent dilemma can be overcome, if you trust Him and recognize He is in control. Build your faith and get in His Word to truly see Him for who He is, and not just what others tell you who they think He is.
The one who created the canyon is able to help you successfully leap your canyon.
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