Act 5, Scene 4

I started a new book this morning. Its called "The Drama of Scripture," by Craig G. Bartholomew and Michael W. Goheen. It centers on the idea that the whole of the bible is one cohesive story, and that this story should define and explain all of history.

All of us can relate to stories. . . our lives are made up of connecting stories. Our temptation, though, is to allow ourselves to think that our story is the main story. . . that what we are thinking, feeling, experiencing is the truth off which we should base our understanding of life. If we do not recognize, accept, and then learn of the greater story that we are part of, we will have a totally warped view of this world and what life is all about.

Even as believers I think we often get caught up in obsessing over our own stories. A friend shared a fabulous quote with me the other day; "The question we ought to be asking ourselves is not what is God's plan for my life, but what is my life for God's plan?" I love that quote. It perfectly describes the tension between making God a small part of the story of our lives verses seeing our lives as a small part of the bigger story that God is writing.

I think David had the right idea in Psalm 8 when he said:

"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?"

When we look at the big picture of this universe, we should be reminded that there is something greater happening than just the day to day realities of our lives. There is an eternal story, one that begins before creation and that will never end. The amazing part of all this is that the God who spoke the whole earth into existence wants us to be a part of his grand narrative. We have the opportunity to make our lives a meaningful part of the conclusion of history.

When you look out your window today - soak in the beauty, majesty, and wonder of creation. Marvel in the amazing creativity of the One who made it all. . . and thank him and praise him for putting your here and letting you play a part in the redemption of the world. And then when (5 minutes later) you've become overwhelmed, discouraged, stressed, and distracted by the struggles of your own story, look out your window again. Remember the big picture, and find strength and hope in the truth that no matter what difficulties you face in your life, we know how the big story is going to end. And its gonna be good.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you
may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33

The grand finale? Jesus reigns.