“but just as it is written, “THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.” 1 Corinthians 2:9.
One afternoon I took my family to see a movie at a nearby theater. As we were waiting for the movie to begin they were showing previews of upcoming films. Suddenly, in one of the previews, a character said something I thought was profound. He said, “You are looking at life as through a keyhole.” As I was pondering this statement, God spoke to me saying many, including myself, view the Christian life as through a key hole, seeing and experiencing far less than what He made available to us.
First, I will ask a question. Have you ever looked through a keyhole? I have. It is amazing how much you miss when this is the only way you look at what is on the other side of a door. It is a very narrow window that is just a few inches in front of us. As you peek through, you may see a table with a bowl on it without knowing if it is empty or not. Next to the table there may be a single chair or several others which cannot be seen. You see one picture on the back wall of who knows what, without seeing the myriad of others throughout the entire room. As far as you can tell, there is not much on the other side of the door. However, if you take time to fully open the door, you will find an absolutely beautiful room, with the most amazing furniture, gorgeous wall paper, incredibly wonderful wood floors, and some of the most amazing pieces of art you could ever imagine. You could spend hours or days just admiring everything in the room. However, you can never truly experience the beauty and awesomeness of the room if you only peer through the key hole.
This analogy can also be said for how we view this Christian life and our relationship with God. We all at times find ourselves looking only at a narrow view of God’s Word and ultimately our Christian walk, thinking this small picture is all that is necessary. And we may do this without realizing if we just stepped all the way in, there is a much deeper and richer picture of Christianity available to us. Through the keyhole we only see a small picture, which includes only what we want to see, without seeing the bigger picture of what God wants us to see, as well as what to do through us to bless others. Through the keyhole, we may only see going to church and going through the motions of singing songs, listening to sermons, as well as giving our offerings, while missing the times of intimate fellowship with our infinite and all loving God, as well as our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. If we do not fully open the door, we may go through struggles which could have been avoided if we had understood God is always with us. If we do not see the big picture of who God is, we may not always allow God to do His perfect work in and through us, especially if this perfect work comes through times of suffering.
If we are simply looking through a keyhole, we cannot fully understand what God has revealed to us through the scriptures. My absolute favorite verse in all the Bible is found in the book of Romans.
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.
And if this verse is true, and I am sure that it is, we can be assured God will bring a good out of everything we experience, including our suffering.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:1-6.
If we are going through difficult times, and we are only seeing through a key hole, we may complain and begin crying out, “Why are you allowing this to happen?” or “What have I done to deserve this?” Through the keyhole, we only see how this experience affects us in a negative way. Believe me, I am saying this as one who has looked through a few keyholes myself. However, if we open the door and look at the complete picture, we will realize that if ALL things work toward our good, then there is a good that will be coming our way, even if it is through our suffering, and we should look forward to seeing what that good will be. If we only look at the Word of God through a keyhole, we only see a small piece of what God has told us.
Many see the trials they are going through and wondering why God is allowing these things to happen. They only see the trials. However, if they had opened the door they would see these trials would bring about an ultimate good to them, or possibly to someone else through these times of trials. We may never fully know what that good is, however, God promised good to us who love Him and persevere through these trials. We may never understand why God allowed us to go through it, but we must trust Him that He knows what is best for us, and others whom He uses us to bless.
The ultimate question then is, do we trust God no matter what? If we do, then we should praise and worship Him, spending time in prayer no matter what is going on in our lives. And we can only do this if we open the door to the Christian life and look at it in totality and not just the things we like, which would be like putting a puzzle together and using only the pieces we like. We must look at this Christian life in totality, not just the parts that make us feel good.
Paul told us in our focus verse that we have not seen or heard the wonderful things God has prepared for His people. This verse is often read in the context of our life after Christ returns and sets up His kingdom. However, I believe this also refers to our life here on earth prior to His coming. If we do not give ourselves completely to God and make Him our Lord in every aspect, we will miss the fullness of what He has for us. As for me, I am tired of looking through key holes. I have committed to swinging the door wide open and experiencing the Christian life in all its richness and splendor. I desire to know all I can about God and His loving care, as well as His calling on my life. I want to experience all of Him, to please Him in every way. The status quo is no longer acceptable. I pray you feel the same way. We must forget about the keyhole and open the door completely and enjoy everything God has for us together.
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