The Bigger Picture

So last night Rachel and I hosted the first meeting of Club 3:16, a club designed to share Christ with 16-21 years. God laid it on Rachel's heart that there needed to be something in the church for this age group and things fell into place for us to begin meeting last night. We had 5 guys come - two who are Christian and three who are not. In my mind I had envisioned the typical, semi-orderly youth meeting where everyone wants to play the games and quietly listen to what you have to say. No one was disrespectful. To be quite honest everyone was really friendly and nice. But it definitely wasn't what we had planned or desired to see come about. I think we both considered it unsuccessful. But when this was mentioned to Dottie, she said she felt it was very successful. She said the club allowed the boys both Christian and those who yet to become a chance to genuinely interact and fellowship, which they did. Hopefully, these relationships will continue and soon we'll see the other 3 come to know Christ.

But this situation reminded me of how so often I don't/can't/won't see the big picture of what God is doing because I am so caught up in how what I envisioned did not happen. I can think of a certain situation which I have been struggling with for several months now, especially within the last few weeks because what I had envisioned has definitely not occurred. The situation has discouraged me and confused to point where I feel the only thing I can think to say to God is why. However, this club meeting showed me that there is a bigger picture taking place within my life just as there was something bigger taking place last night at Club 3:16. Right now I don't know what that something bigger is, but I do know it's good because God is good. I'm going to be praying that God would help to see His bigger picture in this situation and of course to just trust Him with my life since it is His anyways. I also pray that just because something didn't happen as I planned I won't decide God wasn't at work within it. As Isaiah 55:8 says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord."

Oh and here's a snapshot of my day -

• Actually managing to get out of bed and run...it was beautiful weather this morning :)
• Eating a great doughnut in downtown Merthyr.
• Hugs from great kids
• Tag in the field
• Spinning super fast on the round-a-bout
• Being reminded to continuing to pray for various kids and youth, so they'll come to know Christ
• Good walks with great Jesus time on them
• Laughing with precious children
• A near death experience on a swing
• Saying the Pledge of Allegiance way too many times!
• Encouragement (and being grossed out) from an amazing friend
• Being reminded that God is faithful in all things and He is at work in my life. Being reminded of how much He truly loves me is enough to take my breath away

Your prayers are much desired and needed. If you would like specific names to pray for, send me a message. I love you so much!!

Grace and Peace!