from Ron Rose
October 13, 2008

Preparation

We moved to a different town just as I entered junior high school. Making the transition from elementary school to junior high is a tough experience for any twelve-year-old, but mine was a disaster.

There were eleven of us "new" kids, and for the first two days we were tested to see if we could fill-in the right little bubbles with marks from number 2 pencils.

On the morning of the third day we were told to report to the Vice Principal’s office for our class schedule. It was a pink slip class schedule with room numbers and teacher’s names, but no map. The clock was ticking, and I had no idea where Room 17 was. I was late and new and lost.

By the time I found Room 17, I was terrified. I waited outside the door for a few seconds, trying to collect the courage to walk in. Believe me, I wanted to run away to Australia.

Then, at the moment I opened the door, the class erupted in laughter. I knew they were laughing at me. My skinny frame sported thick horn-rimed glasses and embarrassing new "tin-grin" braces. Not daring to look up, I walked over to the teacher with my eyes fixed on his shoes.

When I handed Mr. Bell my pink slip, Mr. Bell responded, "Oh, no!"

I was stunned, frozen in rejection. He pointed to a chair by the door and said, "Sit there for now. We'll see about getting you a desk tomorrow."

I missed the big picture. At the time I was sure it was all about me, but it was really about a funny comment from one of the kids, lousy timing, and an overcrowded classroom.

I sat there, never lifting my eyes, replaying Mr. Bell’s words over and over in my mind. “Oh, no.” He didn’t want me in his class.

As soon as the bell rang I bolted out the door and headed for my next “rejection” room, hoping the day would get better, but feared it won’t. Then, I noticed I had Mr. Bell for Science and Math in the same now infamous "rejection” room. Where was God in all this?

Oh, by the way, my Junior High school’s name? Downer Junior High. I painfully felt every nuance of the name.

God was there that day, but I missed him. I really missed him and it took a while to see the big picture.

How many times have you missed the big picture? Did it make a difference?

Inspiration

I know you’ve heard the story of the two pastors who, just after a big storm, were fishing in a stream along the side of the country road. They thoughtfully made a sign saying, "The End is Near! Turn around before it’s too late!" and showed it to each passing car.

One driver missed the point. He didn't appreciate the sign and shouted at them, "Leave us alone, you religious nuts!"

Those words were still echoing in their ears when they heard a big splash. A little bewildered, they looked at each other. Finally, one of them spoke, "You think maybe we should have just said 'Bridge Out' instead?"

Motivation

Sometimes feelings and words miss the real story. Our recent times of economic uncertainty, misunderstandings, and unreal expectations can all persuade us to miss God’s big picture. Don’t let it happen.

God uses these times to refocus us, to reconnect with us, and to rekindle us. Remember these struggles, no matter how frightening, are God’s moments of re-creation. They are not about us, they are about his power and position.

God is always there, but when we can’t get beyond our rejection or misinterpretations, we fail to see what he’s up too; we miss the big picture.

I am sure that this will be your week to face the music, to see beyond your fears and understandings, to discover God’s wisdom and will.

Feeling rejected? Missing the signs? Look for God’s fingerprints. Look beyond the moments… get past your fears and frustrations. These scary times provide glimpses of God in our world and refocus our attention to what is really important. Many will look for peace and find the inventor of it.

This may be your week for unexpected understandings and transformation. This is your week. You don’t have to go far to see God in action, he will meet you in the middle of the fear and worry and failure. In fact, these times of struggle, when your heart is most vulnerable, are the vary times God chooses to reveal his own secrets. So what are you really looking for?

Want to know the secrets of God? Give God the tough times and look for him to show up. He will meet you just when you need him most, even after you missed him the first time.

Only God has access to the big picture.