Luke 18:31-34

 

The one advantage of growing older is the ability for one to understand how wonderful God’s work is in your life, you gain perspective as you age when you look back and see the hand of God and His leading.    

 

 

Even things in your past that puzzled you, those times when you seriously wondered where God was, why in the world did He allow this tragic thing to happen, all of those huge question marks in life begin SOMETIMES to reveal God’s overall picture for your life.

 

 

The ability to stay steadfast TODAY in the midst of heavy trials literally hangs on how well we learn to trust God with the BIG PICTURE of our lives.

 

 

*ELEMENTS OF GOD'S BIG PICTURE*

 

I.   *NO SURPRISES*!   Luke 18:31

 

Jesus not only knew what was coming, He was determined to follow the determined path His Father had set for Him but first, he prepared the Disciples. 

 

The paths we walk through life do not catch the Lord by surprise! 

 

It would not always be a pathway of comfort, in fact for Jesus it was about to be the path to a horrible misunderstood death.

 

 

 

2.  *NECESSARY SOLUTION*!   Luke 18:32-34

 

Jesus said clearly that He will be delivered over to the Gentiles, beaten and killed! He understood that without context they would easily fall away, so He gave them the larger context! 

 

He will be delivered up, yes he will be flogged, yes he will be crucified and buried BUT..... 

 

*PRAYER POINTS*

 

1. Ask God to help you recognize His hand in your past, even during confusing and challenging times, trusting that these moments reveal His overall picture for your life.

 

2. Pray for the wisdom to gain perspective as you deepen our walk with God. That you will understand His Big picture for your life 

 

3. Pray that God will give you the ability to find contentment and peace in the present and future.