Connections

Have you given any thought to the part you play in life? Have you ever sat in a public spot watching people and wonder what part each of them play? Have you considered even those you think are bad fill a role? Or, that God can use what a bad person does for good?

We typically go about our lives without a lot of thought. We may plan what we are going to do today. We may plan a vacation months in advance. We may plan our education. We may even plan when we will have children. But we do not typically think about how we fit in the bigger picture.

Everyone plays a role in life. We are all connected to someone, somewhere, somehow. Think about all the connections to other people you have. There are family, friends, co-workers, schoolmates, and people we meet while shopping. Each of us have a connection and influence on them, just as they do us.

Even those who do bad things have influence. Judas certainly had an influence on how God’s plan played out. Peter recognizes that Judas had a role to play. Before we get off track and blame God for what bad people do, we must remember that God is always good. He will not entice or encourage someone to do bad. However, because he knows what they will do, what is in their heart and mind, he will use what they intend for bad to bring good out of it.

If you have never taken time to think about the big picture, I encourage you to do so. Look back over your life and recognize how different people have had an influence on your life. See where God has worked in your life, both through good influences from people and by using a bad event to bring about good in your life. As you realize connections among all of us, you will become more aware of your own actions.

I pray we all see God at work in our lives. I pray we see the connections we have with others. I pray each one of us use our realization of connections to be more aware of our actions. See God at work. See how God uses bad for good. See all your connections. Be aware of how your actions impact others.

Acts 1:15-17 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, “Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus—for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.”