BLACK & WHITE

Back when God created the world and Man, perfection reigned. Beauty surrounded Adam and Eve in the Garden, and the Lord’s glory shined without spoil. Then came the Fall and the ugliness of imperfection as sin crept in.

As I was looking out a nearby window just the other day, I was struck by the reminder that God’s glory is still radiantly displayed in a myriad of ways. This made me love Him all the more, because I realized He didn’t have to continue bringing His beauty into the world. He would have been justified to completely uproot it from our lives and make the world nothing but a dismal place. Back in the Garden, God could have pulled away His glory and saved it for the time when we would again be perfect. He could have waited, but He didn’t.

After we were banned from perfection, God could have chosen to wipe grace off the face of the Earth, and He certainly could have waited until Christ’s final return to bring us the abundant life, but he didn’t. The Sovereign One would have been right to take away the sun, blot out the moon, and replace our vibrant colors with nothing but shades of gray. We could have been sentenced to what we deserve: a world of black and white, but we aren’t.

Imagine your life stripped of color. You may not even have noticed, but color is an intricate part of life...the spice we all crave. Now envision this black and white world, nothing but sadness and stark misery. This is what we deserve as a result of our fallen nature, but God in all His compassion would not allow it. He had a beautiful plan to redeem all that had been stolen away from us as a result of sin. Instead of a bleak, lack-luster world, we were handed a life of vibrant colors and priceless moments.

Together, let’s reflect upon all we have been given to enjoy. We are free to experience God’s perfect love through breathtaking sunsets, pristine landscapes, and intriguing wildlife. His glory dances upon the shimmering waves and blows through flower sprinkled fields. We are allowed to savor the warmth of a loved one’s embrace and watch the hand of our majestic Creator at work as He opens a newborn baby’s eyes. Most of all, through Christ, each of us is justified to stand confidently before the Almighty God as His beloved sons and daughters. Though we did not earn them, we have been given the keys to Eternity with God. What a God. WHAT A GOD!

Today, I just want to remind you to keep your eyes open to the truth that the glory of God is still shining upon the earth. This is all because He has chosen to direct it here. Be vigilant in your own life to recognize the ways He displays His loving character and splendor. Wherever you go, whatever you do, get away for a few moments and just love on your Creator today. Express your gratitude for being rescued from a world of black and white. Thank Him for His unending sacrifice and for choosing to give you what you did not deserve: vibrant beauty.

The glory of God can surely be found in your life today. Simply open your eyes, give thanks, and soak it all in...

Vibrant and Blessed,
Katie Marie

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you.” Isaiah 60:1-2 (NIV)