Being a lover of history, I'm fascinated by glimpses into the past, whether they're in written form (diaries and journals) or through the venue of a camera lens. A friend recently shared this footage captured on the front of a trolley car in San Francisco (1906) just days before the earthquake.
I'm a people watcher so I especially enjoy watching the people in this video footage. I've read that the photographer reportedly hired his friends to drive/walk in front of the trolley to liven the scene, etc... I have no clue whether that's true or not, but I love seeing the fashions, the mixture of wagons and carts and cars, the blend of technology of the day, as it were. And then to think that only days from when this footage was shot--only four days, if the account is correct--an earthquake would basically level this area. These people had no clue what was coming in their lives. Just as we don't.
But our Heavenly Father did, and still does.
He knows the most minute details of your life, and mine. Nothing is hidden from Him, and I'm so grateful for that because I can't see beyond this second. Oh I can plan with the best of em. I'm a list maker from way back. I know my way around an Excel Spreadsheet and very much enjoy the illusion of being in control. But knowing and understanding the intricacies of the mind of the Creator? Well, I'll need an eternity to begin to gain even the slightest understanding of the mind of God.
I used to believe that once we crossed over to Heaven, we would know everything. That...bam!...suddenly all of our questions would be answered. We wouldn't have to wonder about anything. I don't believe that anymore. I believe we'll spend a never-ending-constantly-having-your-mind-blown eternity uncovering the depths of God's creativity and love, in learning more about His "mind."
I appreciate these verses from Romans 8, and their reference to God knowing our hearts and to His working in and through the choices we make, or don't make...
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.
Are you at some crossroads in your life right now and have no clue which way to go? Take heart...the Spirit is pleading, even now, on your behalf in harmony with God's will. So pray and watch and listen for His guidance, then take that crucial first step. Whatever path you chose, whether it be the "right one" or not, God's going to use that experience to work for good in your life, and for eternity. So really, when you're following His lead, there's no getting lost. Even if you make a wrong turn.
Blessings on your week, and take care as you walk your walk. Just as we're still watching those who have gone on before us, someone is surely watching us too.
(Cross posted on Writes of Passage)
(Cross posted on Writes of Passage)
