God's Vantage Point

For us to truly understand others, we must take their vantage point and ask ourselves what do they value, and how does their vantage point influence them? 

In the same way, if we are to truly understand God, we must look at life from God's vantage point, and how does that vantage point influence Him. 

For example in Romans 8:28 (NIV) Paul says, 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (or God's vantage point)." 

What Paul does not say is that EACH thing that happens to God's people is good, but what Paul does say is that God can pull everything together and make good out of it, but how does God define good from His vantage point?

In the next verse, in Romans 8:29 (NIV) Paul goes on to say, 

“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” 

From God’s vantage point, His ultimate good is for you to be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. 

In other words, good equals being like Jesus. 

Let’s continue reading in very same Chapter to hear Paul talk about some things that could happen to Christians that God can work together for good.

In Romans 8:35-37 (NIV) Paul says, 

“35Who will separate us from the love of Christ?

Shall trouble or hardship or persecutionor famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 

As it is written: “For your sake (God's vantage point) we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. 

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." 

Although God doesn’t author evil as James said in James 1:16-17, God can still use it for good, which is to make us more like Jesus. 

Now, let’s take God’s vantage point again. 

What would give God the greatest satisfaction? 

For us to be faithful to Him with nothing at stake, 

or for us to be loyal to Him in the face of everything His enemy Satan can throw at us?

One last thing, Paul said in I Timothy 2:4 (NIV) “who (God's vantage point) wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 

God wants everyone to know Him. 

Light is best seen in a backdrop of darkness, 

and God’s goodness best shines through in the heat of our dark battle against Satan. 

After all, didn’t Jesus say in Matthew 5:14-16 (NASB) 

14"You are the light of the world. 

A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 

16"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven (God's vantage point).” 

God wants everyone to be forgiven and restored to Him through your loyalty to Him in the heat of battle. 

Therefore, God can and does work everything taken together for good for them that love God to them that are called for His purpose (God's vantage point).