Sometimes we need to take a step back, because there are things in life that are best examined from that vantage point.
'Up close' can often be all a blur, and a step back may be all the perspective you need before moving forward..... or not.
Seriously.
* * *
That relationship or partnership - business or otherwise - that you jumped into with both feet before taking enough time to prayerfully consider?
Step back.
Yes. Before you invest time, money, energy..... before heart strings get entangled and you start thinking that it is too late to call a halt. Fall on your knees, and get a healthy dose of perspective before the Throne of Grace. You may find your great idea was not in tune with God's best for you.
That trial with no end in sight? The one that you feel is elevating your stress levels unnecessarily and driving you up every available wall?
Step back.
Remember, that you are not seeing the full picture..... and - if you could see the end from the beginning - you would agree that God's timing and choices for you were perfect.
That loan you thought of taking out, because you 'knew' there was no other way to solve your 'unique' problems?
Step back.
You may find that accepting indebtedness was not the only way after all. Maybe you will discover that God has a multiplicity of ways in which He can deliver His people.
That seemingly harmless subscription that you rejoice to see in your inbox, because it makes you laugh..... and laughter is good for the soul, right?
Step back.
You may be surprised to find that it really does not mesh with 'whatsoever things are..... true, honest, pure, lovely, praiseworthy' (Philippians 4:8).
That 'pet topic' that you so ardently promote every chance you get..... where your mind ends up whenever it wanders?
Step back.
Maybe we should have a 'heart talk' for a hot second..... Is your heart in the right place? What motivates you? Does your 'passion' glorify God and bless others?
That Scripture passage you always thought was just what the doctor ordered..... for everyone else? You know the one.....
Step back.
Maybe - just maybe - it will start rubbing 'self' the wrong way (the right way, really) because the Holy Spirit has shifted the spotlight?
* * *
Stepping back, whenever I needed to, has always done me a world of good, because - although my love for organisation borders on OCD - I sometimes find myself flying by the seat of my figurative pants, spontaneously jumping in with both feet and whispering the forgotten prayer somewhere mid-flight. So - ever so often - my Heavenly Father has had to remind me to take a step back and 'take stock'. You see, the journey is just as important as the destination, and I cannot savour the moments if I refuse to be still..... to pause long enough to lay all on the altar of sacrifice..... to offer up my plans, my acquaintances, my dreams, my preconceived notions, so that He can replace my 'good' with His Best.
Proper perspective is a necessary ingredient for the best photographs, so maybe you want to consider taking that one step back as well, and take a look at the view that you have been missing. I promise you that God's plans for your life will put your best plans to shame.
So, go ahead..... take that step back, and may God continually bless your Journey.
