Behind the Scenes

In the photo, the Missouri Capitol is wrapped for a 5 year cleaning and reconstruction process. In press releases, news articles and social media posts, the plan was outlined and because of that, we know that behind this climate controlled wrap, complete with stairways and port-a-potties, skilled laborers and artists are taking care and precision to clean and restore each detail. Making the original limestone building stronger and cleaner than it has been for many years and restore it to what it was just over 100 years ago.

Now look into the mirror. As you see yourself looking back, do you realize that God is working just as hard with exact precision and love? Behind the scenes of your life, there is a master craftsman working out every detail and lying into place each and every meeting, conversation, event, birth, victory, joyous occasion and celebration. But because sin entered into the world, and death through sin (Romans 5:12) God must also allow hardships, sorrow, struggles, and death but even in these, He is putting into place things to make these times more bearable and to bless us through the trial. He not only stays faithful to walk us through these hard times, but offers us a chance for growth through them. (Count it all joy, my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4 ESV)

He has a plan: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT)

He makes a way: Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. (Proverbs 16:3 ESV)

He leads us: Behold, I am doing a new thing: now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19 NIV)

He stays with us: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9 ESV)

He comforts us: Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 NIV)

His way completes us: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT)

You see, He is always with us and working in our lives. Through all the chapters of our lives, He is orchestrating everything and through it, He brings us joy and allows us to minister to others. I have shared before the deep hurt that I experienced as I went through a long trial of infertility and childlessness. If I said that I understood the reason for this, it would be a lie. I do not understand it, but I trust God. I know that for some reason, He took me through this valley and to a place of giving it to Him.

Through this, He has not only placed me in a church family with many women who have also walked this path, but He has used this as an opportunity for me to minister. Because I have chosen to be vulnerable and share my story, He has brought other women to me, even if it is to allow them to talk to someone who knows the pain of their heart. These women who have thanked me for sharing my story and cried tears with me, have blessed and encouraged me in a great way; and I will continue to surrender this to bring the hurting to God.

As I mentioned earlier- the Missouri Capitol, where I work, is undergoing cleaning, renovation, and restoration. We know this because we have been told, through stories in print and on social media. We trust that in 5 years when the wrap comes down, that we will see a gleaming white building with every artistic and structural element perfect in every way. But all we see, is a white tarp. Why is it that I, without question, believe that I will see the result that has been promised?

Instead, why don’t I believe without question, that this body, in which I reside, is undergoing a complete and perfect renovation and restoration? That God, my Heavenly Father has stated that this is the truth when He shared in the Bible all the plans that He has for me? When I look at myself, I only see the outside glaring with imperfections. Why is it that I question and struggle to believe that I will see the result that has been promised?

Father- I come to You now and I lay my hurt, my pain, my flaws, my lack of faith, my skeptical attitude at Your feet. I ask that You help me to remember that You have a plan for my life and that You are continually working behind the scenes to make my life as it should be, that Your goal is to make me complete in You and to bring me to a place of bringing others to You and loving them through You. I know that You love me and that You want to see me fully in a state of Joy. Thank you for caring for each of us in a way that feels so personal and special to us individually. Please lead me to minister to others in my life and give me the courage to speak at Your prompting. Amen

May you all have a wonderful week and may we all trust that God has a plan, a design, and the execution needed to make a perfect work of each and every one of us, as He works behind the scenes.