G.A.P. (God’s Abiding Principle) which comes from this verse: Is 55: 8-9 “Indeed, my plans are not like your plans…and my plans are superior to your plans.” Thus: have an eternal perspective.
The disciples give us a glimpse of how they did not have that yet idea firmly entrenched in their minds. Looking at our own lives, we as well, do not have an eternal perspective in terms of those who are “suffering”. As we read the story of the blind man whom Jesus healed in John 9, we find ourselves being shocked by the question of the disciples. How could they be so insensitive? But, if we are honest with ourselves, how often do we ask the same? They asked: “Rabbi, who committed the sin that caused him to be born blind, this man or his parents?” In other words, why has this been allowed to happen? Jesus answered them that there was no sin. The word here is “oute” and has the idea NO, EMPHATICALLY, there is not a question of sin at all. In fact, if you had an eternal perspective you would know that God’s plans were executed perfectly for one reason---so the acts of God may be revealed, through what happens to him. As I re-read this story I find how much like the disciples I am. (I am speaking to my own heart here) I have to stop and ponder what Jesus is really saying because often, I, like the disciples, have that mindset or I am too “busy”, meaning I am talking rather than listening, asking the proverbial question: why God? How often do my questions take center stage instead of looking for what God is going to do? Do I really believe Rom 8:28 or am I merely quoting a verse out of memory? How often are my eyes focused on the here and now and not on the eternal? James said faith without works is dead. He also asks: You say you have faith? Where is the work of the eternal perspective? Good question to ponder.
As I do the prayer log each week I remind myself of this enduring spiritual principle because of the depth of pain some are experiencing. It is to me an enigma for which I have no answer but I am also reminded that my work of faith is to pray that God’s plans, which are superior to mine, would be perfectly executed for an eternal reward. I pray that you too will join me in this season of quietness and prayer for those who are living out God’s plan, who are revealing His work so that the world would take notice but more importantly, He get the glory.
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