Hindsight
by Tanya Person
It seems so amazing that the disciples, who were with Jesus every day, didn’t recognise all the ways in which Jesus was fulfilling the Scripture, until after He went to heaven. As I was pondering on this, I thought about how often we’re like this too! God does things in our lives, but we may not see it immediately.
There’s an expression, ‘Hindsight is 20/20’. This is frequently used to say that, after a situation is over, it’s easy to see what we should have done. But I realise it might also be applied to seeing how God has worked in a situation. Frequently it’s only as we look back that we can see that God was working on our behalf.
When Jim and I moved to Hungary, we knew God was calling us to make the move, but we didn’t really know what it was that we were being called to do. We got involved with another mission group praying for Hungary and the surrounding countries. We were praying for God’s blessing for the countries, for the relationships between the countries and for God to expand His kingdom.
Now, almost 12 years later, we look back and we’re amazed. What started as ‘one-day prayer’ journeys has actually turned out to be the foundation for the work that we’re now doing right now. We’re travelling back and forth from our home in Hungary to bring God’s kingdom truths to the surrounding nations! As we reflect back over the years we can see that God was getting us ready and using us to prepare the way, through prayer. We serve an amazing God!
In the story of Joseph and the cupbearer, Joseph asked the cupbearer to remember him when he was restored to his position, so Joseph could get out of prison. But we see (in Genesis 40:23) that the cupbearer forgot all about Joseph, never giving him another thought. God, through Joseph, had shown the cupbearer what was going to happen, but after it did happen, the cupbearer forgot. Thankfully, he did finally remember, and told Pharaoh. Joseph was then called to interpret Pharaoh’s dream.
We need to not be like the cupbearer! We need to not forget. We should give glory to God for what He’s done in our lives. Maybe we need to stop and look back to see what He’s done, so we can glorify Him and testify to others.
What prayers have you prayed that God has answered? Did you thank Him? Did you tell others about it? Let’s take time now to thank Him and praise Him for all that He’s done for us!
Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for the times when I haven’t recognised Your work in my life and Your answers to my prayers. Please open my eyes to see what You’re doing, that I might remember to praise You and thank You for all You’ve done! Amen.
Tanya Person Tanya and her husband, Jim, were missionaries to Hungary for over 18 years. They have worked with Ellel since 2005. After serving in various positions with Ellel in Central and Eastern Europe, God led them back to the United States, where they are now serving with the Ellel USA team. They have a passion to see leaders restored, the church discipled and walking in God’s fullness of life and freedom, and for mentoring the existing and developing team. Tanya also enjoys crocheting and knitting in her free time and has written some children’s picture books.
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