Have you ever taken the time to stop and look back? I remember back when I learned to drive in California (state of), my instructor took me up to the mountains and we spent a good portion of a Saturday just driving in the mountains. We had driven for a while when he had me pull over in a turn out so we could stretch and take a break. I walked up to the rail that was there and was amazed at what I saw. I saw a great valley with a river running at the bottom and a road that was running along the river. It was beautiful to see how awesome the surroundings were. What was really awesome was my instructor told me that the road that was down there was the same road that we were on at that moment. As a teen I did not think that one little incident would have any significance for me, but today for some reason I was thinking how awesome it is that God gives us time to look back to where we have come from. In that time of reflection we can see the powerful hand of God. On that mountain I could see the greatest handiwork that God has ever made – yes, it was that beautiful. I mean the timing was perfect, the sun was at the right place, the weather was cool and there was a slight breeze. But God’s timing is always perfect. The times of reflections come at just the right time. When was the last time you stopped and looked back?

I was reminded of Jemimah 29:11 (look it up and memorize it) this week and through that verse God let me look back at the plans that God has revealed through my life. I was able to see that even in the struggles of life He was working His plan for me. Yes, we are given choice and sometimes that changes the course on which we find ourselves, but God continues to take us closer to His perfect plan. I just wanted to take some time to remind those of you who are reading this that God’s plan is perfect for you. You may not understand where you are in the plan but, trust me, He is faithful and just to finish the work He started in you (Phil. 1:6)

May God bless you this week and may you take the time to look back–not out of regret but in amazement of God’s handiwork in your lives. And may you see the beauty that He sees in you!

In His Grip,
Pastor Jason.