Are the Threads of Our Lives Accidentally Tangled or Intentionally Arranged?

Sunday, 31 May 2009

Are the Threads of Our Lives Accidentally Tangled or Intentionally Arranged?
How differently would we live if we believed that every event of our lives—from the happy to the tragic to the mundane—was part of a meticulous and purposeful design in which all the elements intertwined with breathtaking precision?

That is the question bestselling author and internationally known speaker, Ravi Zacharias answers in his book, The Grand Weaver. If you are looking for a sizzling summer read to soak up under the sun, a page-turner to track through the subway with, or simply something casual that may take you three months, if you read a chapter every two weeks, but won’t bore you to literal pieces, this is the book for you!

I picked this book up a few years ago after Dr. Zacharias, a renowned apologetic, visited my university and presented the most compelling argument for Christianity that I had ever heard.

It is an understatement to say that this scholar, teacher, author, and radio personality is absolutely brilliant, because after one minute under his voice it becomes evident that he is not only a genius, but undoubtedly spirit-filled and Holy Ghost led. This book is evidence of his masterful ability to remind Christians and skeptics alike that God is intimately involved in every detail of our lives.

There is one story about a mother who took a job as an inspector for Firestone in Akron, Ohio during World War II. As a result of her scrutinizing expertise, a young sailor escaped drowning twice because of a life-saving device that she personally inspected. He was able to return to his family on leave to tell of his narrow expect—that sailor was her son!

Did God orchestrate a career path of a mother in a way that would save her son’s lives? And if God can weave the supernatural out of an ordinary factory job, why can’t he do the same out of all the threads of our lives?

Personally, I was most moved by page 50 where Dr. Zacharias includes an elaborate breakdown of Psalm 23. I must confess that I cried as I read it. Yet again, I was reminded of how God loves us with such perfection:

The Lord is my Shephard—that’s relationship!
I shall not be in want—that’s supply!
He makes me lie down in green pastures—that rest!
He leads me beside quiet waters—that’s refreshment!
He restores my soul—that’s healing!
He guides me in the paths of righteousness—that’s guidance!
For His name sake—that’s purpose!
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death—that’s testing!
I will fear no evil—that’s protection!
For you are with me—that’s faithfulness!
Your rod and the staff, they comfort me—that’s discipline!
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies—that’s hope!
You anoint my head with oil—that’s consecration!
My cup overflows—that’s abundance!
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life—that’s blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord—that’s security!
Forever—that’s eternity!
AUTHOR OF ELABORATED MATERIAL UNKNOWN

If you’ve read the book, would love your feedback!
Are you familiar with Dr. Zacharias?
Do you believe God is intimately involved in every detail of your life?
Can God turn a mess into a miracle, a test into a testimony?
Has God miraculously orchestrated an event in your life?