God Planned It But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result--the survival of many people.” Genesis 50:19-20 HCSB As we face up to obstacles &/or seemingly insoluble quandaries, when it appears that there is no way through the mud pits, quicksand or over the mountain, we cry out to Our Father and a way is made clear. Through our tears, we console ourselves with the message of Romans 8:28, “Yes, someday this too will be seen as for my ultimate good.” We are relieved & grateful for His answered guidance & provision; but silently ask, “Why did He wait so long?” And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NASB The God we serve thrives on unimpeded movement across an infinite number of dimensions; we are restricted to three. As we make our pilgrim’s progress, every human interaction & experience encountered, whether pleasant or uncomfortable, reveals Him simultaneously directing our growth & maturation on multiple layers: at least seven I'm aware of. - Layer one: we are being enabled to navigate the current challenge, obstacle, choice or quandary. - Layer two: as we surmount the obstacle, our point-of-view shifts & our perspective broadens. We are able to view a land, road or goal, previously unknown to us. - Layer three: the present experience prepares us for those persons we will meet down the road with whom we will be able to share God's provision. - Layer four: our spiritual muscles & coordination are sharpened, making us better able to overcome those challenges we will face farther on. - Layer five: as we walk with Him as our light, listening for that “still small voice”, we more readily recognize His leadings. We take fewer & fewer wrong turns that end up in box canyons. - Layer six: each of our successes, minor or major, brings a pleasure to the heart & a smile face of God. - Lastly: our testimony/walk, is observed with rapt attention in heaven & here on earth by that “great cloud of witnesses”. So every time you face a seemingly insurmountable impediment to your progress, remember that Father, with Whom nothing is impossible, is actively causing “all things to work together for [your] good.” So just put your hand in His & rest there. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NASB