There are two ways to look at stained glass windows. You can examine each piece of colored glass individually, or you can stand in a quiet church and let the sun shine through all the pieces and bring the whole thing to life. Some people get absorbed and preoccupied by whatever is in front of them at the time, but they cannot see the big picture. They ignore God and are ignorant of His Word and His ways. But not the Christian. No, no, no. The Christian knows because God has opened his or heart and mind to know. And the Christian connects the dots! He or she applies the Word to his or her life now and says, "God is at work! I may suffer now, but I am not home yet." How else could James write, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds" unless he knew that "the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4) Do you need to regain your perspective, from a "oh, woe is me" to a "thank God I'm free?" God is always at work in your life, beloved! Through both the fire and the flood. He is preparing you for the next step and the best step! Whether we have a weak faith or a strong faith, we get the same strong Christ.
