One Sunday morning years ago our Bible study teacher, Andy, gave each of us a pencil and a piece of paper with a large grid—4 squares across, 4 squares down. One square at a time but out of order, he guided us to draw various sized curves in various positions.
Sometimes he instructed us to revisit a square and add more detail.
The bits and pieces made no sense—just haphazard strokes accomplishing nothing–until the last few curves remained, and Andy told us to rotate our papers bottom side up.
Each of us was constructing a very recognizable Mickey Mouse.
And you can probably guess Andy’s objective:
God does indeed know what he’s doing, even when events seem random to us. Sometimes he reveals the reasons for nonsensical curves in our lives, as purposeful outcomes finally sharpen into focus.
Such was the case with Joseph in the Bible. The violent curves of his life story finally made sense when he became prime minister of Egypt.
To his brothers who had terribly mistreated him he said,
Quite often, however, God chooses to withhold explanation.
I have to wonder if he’s waiting until all his children are gathered together in heaven and then he’ll reveal the complete, awe-inspiring panorama of intricately wrought events, involving billions of lives over eons of time.
Andy Andrews, in his delightful children’s book, The Boy Who Changed the World, offers a glimpse of this panorama, as he tells the story of a farm manager named Moses and his wife Susan who raised an orphaned boy. Together they shared their love of plants with the child. That boy was George Washington Carver.
In addition to his many scientific achievements, George provided an important influence for a young boy named Henry, teaching him all about plants. Henry Wallace grew up to become the U.S. secretary of agriculture and then vice president of the United States.
Henry hired a young biochemist named Norman and instructed him to develop a high-yielding, disease-resisting wheat. Norman spent twenty years in laboratory and field research to achieve the objective. He also developed superior corn and rice.
More than two billion lives have been saved because of Norman Borlaug–and Henry Wallace who impacted Norman, and George Washington Carver who influenced Henry, and Moses Carver who inspired George.
Who else but God could have directed such events, connecting one life with another to create such epic results?
We, too, have the exciting privilege to participate with God. There are grand possibilities in every encounter–to impact our corners of the world as Jesus’ agents, speaking on his behalf, acting in his name, and drawing people to him.
And at those times when the effort doesn’t seem to accomplish much, we can remember:
- 1. “God does some of his best work when we don’t think he’s doing a thing” (Priscilla Shirer, The Kingdom Woman Devotional, emphasis added), and
- 2. God’s work in us and through us isn’t over until we’ve completed the last curve.
* * * * * * * * * *
Father, I want to be a person who seizes the day under your instruction, who chooses to honor you in word and action. I want to be a participant in what you’re accomplishing, not just an observer. May I be faithful to follow your lead, knowing that in the end the results will be gloriously worth it.
(Art & photo credits: Nancy Ruegg (4); http://www.canva.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.wikimedia.com (2); http://www.sunraybook.com)
From the Inside Out 
Thank you Nancy for this story it reminds me that there are things going on that I don’t understand but I will know the outcome at some point and “God works all thing to the good of those who love him …”.
Thank you, Jim, for taking time to comment. Glad you found the reminder meaningful. Romans 8:28 is a perfect verse to accompany this post! Thank you for that too.
Nailed it, Nancy!
Thank you, Mitch. Did my prayerful best to blend ideas!
Nancy, I love your illustrations. How inspiring and thought-provoking this message is! Thank you for writing and sharing it. Much love to you and Steve. You both remain in my daily prayers.
Great illustration! Yes, God can be trusted!
So glad you found the illustration meaningful. Praise God we CAN trust him in everything!
❤️❤️❤️ Thanks for the reminder friend. Hope to see you soon
Do take care of yourself. I’m praying you make a rapid recovery!
What a great and encouraging post Nancy!! I love stories of the ripple effective of lives lived for His glory!!
Such stories do pump energy into our spirits, don’t they? I can only imagine the ripple effect from your life and Michael’s, as you’ve given sacrificially of yourselves for over 35 years. You are an inspiration to SO many. Very glad you found encouragement here, Lisa!
you sure are a great storyteller. Love how you weave these together with bits of history.
Thank you, Jean. You know I love history, so the weaving was supreme pleasure!
Interesting Nancy how lives can be woven together. Thanks for your inspiring story.. Blessings
So glad you found inspiration here, Laura. Also glad God wove our lives together in Hudson!
Thank you for this, Nancy. On February 13 (the day before you posted this entry of your blog), I had posted this on FB: “I see only a piece of the puzzle of my life. God painted the whole picture before I was even born and I trust in Him!” God is so good! I really love it when He reinforces what He wants to tell me. And I love the quote by Priscilla Shirer.
Thank you, Cheri. I love those double and triple reinforcements too. Then there’s no mistaking their origin or intent! And we know: God sees, God knows, God is indeed at work.
What a delightful, educational, ordained chain of influence! Thank you, Nancy. This is such a good reminder that whatever role God gives us to play, no matter how daunting or or daring or seemingly hidden, the sum total of influence (perhaps known to God, alone), deepens his joy and furthers the kingdom. And now, please excuse me; I’m sensing a voice from the cupboard—peanut butter calling my name . . .
So glad you found delight and edification here, Laurie! I too need a reminder now and then that we don’t see the whole picture, that ALL of us have a role to play–and we never know the sum total of our influence. P.S. ‘Have any apples to put that peanut butter on? That’s my favorite way to eat both–always together!