Visualizing Good From One Example Of God’s Plan

One Artist’s Interpretation Of God’s Plan

 

In the previous article we developed a three dimensional concept for how God might view our lives, our connections with others and the events that impact us.  At least it’s a model that we can understand.  God quite likely doesn’t need such a simplistic concept.

But “simplistic” might be an overstatement; imagining a set of lines representing our meaningful connections, events and their impacts on us might be a bit difficult.  Even for a limited set of connections or events.

Let’s look at an example and then see one artist’s interpretation.

 

Amber Hagerman Revisited

In another article we considered the short, tragic life of Amber Hagerman who was abducted and murdered in Texas in 1996.  Imagine the all-consuming anguish Amber’s parents felt during and after that terrible ordeal.

But Amber’s parents channeled their anguish, met with others who had experienced similar tragedies and approached government officials.  Within months, then-President Bill Clinton signed a law creating the first US sex offender registry.  Others during that same time helped Amber’s parents create the first Amber Alert system.  Today, the Amber Alert and other similar systems are found in dozens of countries protecting children around the world.

Although Amber’s life ended tragically, it’s clear that her death was not in vain.  God had a purpose for her.  At the time of her abduction it was likely impossible to imagine how good could arise from such evil but, with patience and time, God’s Plan became evident.  Unfortunately we can’t always see the good result of God’s Plan but it is comforting when we can for it reminds us that we all have purpose according to His plan.

 

How Might God’s See The Lives Of Amber’s Parents During This Time?

Here’s one artist’s interpretation of a part of one person’s life as God might see it.  In this case, the person’s life proceeds “normally” starting on the right but is suddenly struck by an event that sends them into dramatic despair – just as Amber’s tragic death did to her parents.  The two connections near the bottom signify positive interactions that help turn around the person’s life.  In the case of Amber’s parents, these might represent meeting others who had experienced similar tragedies and connections with government officials who supported the Hagerman’s cause.  Finally, the connection from above – on the left – might represent a connection with the President who signed child protection bills into law.

How About You?

Neither of those pieces was created explicitly to represent the lives of Amber Hagerman’s parents as God might see them.  Instead they were created more generally to represent the redemption that God can deliver following a tragic event or destructive interaction – according to His plan.  Perhaps you have had some such event in your life where, with time and patience, you were able to see God’s Plan in action.  If so, were there other events or connections that helped you rise up from the trough of despair?

It’s also possible that you’re in the middle of such a situation right now.  If that’s the case then asking God for redemption according to His plan is a worthy expression of faith.  But God sees you, cares about you and already knows the situation you’re in.  In addition to praying for redemption, consider praying for strength, patience, and comfort.  If it helps, perhaps the conceptual model discussed here might also provide some comfort.