by Niki Turner
If you've ever participated in a live stage performance -- play, musical, or dance -- you gain an appreciation for the folks who work behind the scenes. They don't get the public accolades, don't come out for the standing ovation; their names often end up in tiny print on the back of the program, even though what takes place backstage is crucial to what is seen by the public.
If our mothers are the supremely visible agents and directors in our lives, our fathers tend to be the prop guys and the sound men. If they do their jobs well, no one pays much attention to them. If they do their jobs poorly, everyone notices.
It's much the same for our heavenly Father ... except He always does His job to perfection.
...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Phil 1:6 (from New International Version)
He's perpetually at work behind the scenes in our lives, preparing and arranging and responding to events and circumstances, making sure we are fully equipped for the "performance" of our lives. We're not required to move the props, change the scenery, or raise and lower the curtain. He takes care of all those things, often in spite of our meddling.(Can you imagine what a pesky bunch we are to work with?)
Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.Today, on Father's Day, renew your trust in your heavenly Father to set the stage for you, to take care of all those things that are beyond your reach. Take your cues and show the world all the good works He has prepared beforehand for you to walk in!
Heb 13:20-21 NKJV
Niki Turner writes romantic fiction, Christian non-fiction, blog posts, articles in the local newspaper, lengthy grocery lists, and Facebook status updates. Her first completed manuscript won second place in the 2009 Touched By Love contest for contemporary category romance. Colorado natives, Niki and her husband of 20+ years have four children (three at home) and are new grandparents to a baby boy. In 1998 they planted a church in rural northwestern Colorado. Currently, they share their home with three teenage boys, two black Lab mutts, and Niki’s absurdly spoiled Westie, Archie. Niki can be found at In Truer Ink, her personal blog and website, here at Inkwell Inspirations, and at The Pastor’s Wife Speaks. 
Niki, this reminded me of my work as an extra in the film/TV industry. We were the background. We sat around for up to 12 hrs a days sometimes waiting for our turn to add life to a scene. While not on set, we read and twiddled our thumbs as we weren't allowed to speak once the word, 'Rolling' filtered down from the directer to the crew members whether yelled out loud or spoken into headsets.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, we often treat God like that. We bring him to the forefront when we need Him, yet keep Him in the background when we don't. :(
Great post, Niki. I needed the reminder.
And Happy Father's Day to ALL the father's out there. We simply couldn't do without them.
Anita Mae.
This is wonderful, Niki. It kind of reminds me to step back and know that though I can't see the big picture, God can.
ReplyDeleteI never really thought about how pesky we are to work with, but it's so true. Sometimes it amazes me that God doesn't give up on us.
Anita, I had forgotten all about your film experiences! Cool to have that perspective!
ReplyDeleteSuzie, I was just talking to my mom about this today, God seeing the "big picture." We are the variables, He is the ONLY constant!
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