History

I just spent the weekend in the most historical place I’ve ever been in my life: Istanbul. The amount of history represented in the few places I visited was overwhelming.

The Blue Mosque, one of the most famous mosques in the world.

The Basilica Cistern, the ten thousand square foot water storage built in the 500s AD.

The Hagia Sophia, the center of Christianity during the Byzantine Empire but was transformed into a mosque.

The Topkapı Palace, the last palace of the Ottoman Empire.

Years and years of history are represented in those words. And especially when in the Hagia Sophia, I was overcome with a contemplative mood. I was speechless to express my awe of the architecture. I was dumbfounded to think of how many people helped build the current structure. I was blown away with how many people passed through before me. I was saddened by the religious history, of “losing” the church to another belief system. I was in awe of the God who has been present and working here way before it ever entered my thoughts or I stepped foot in the building.

History is not something that surprises our Lord. He knows and directs exactly what will happen. He uses believers and non-believers alike to accomplish His plan. Think of Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon. Did the Israelites think it was a good thing that He conquered them? No, but it was part of God’s plan to discipline His people for their failure to listen to Him and for their idolatry. God works out everything for good for those who love Him – even if we cannot see it immediately.

History is so much bigger than us! That was put into perspective for me this weekend, especially as little things vied for my attention and I struggled to keep my focus on God. My life is but a tiny portion of history. While this does mean history is not dependent on me and I am unable to change its course, it does not make my life unimportant. I am not the center of the universe and my actions will not cause the foundations of the world to fall apart, but my life does have an impact on those around me. I am an important part in God’s plan, not the sole part.

God is so much bigger than history (and the boogie man according to Veggie Tales)! J He has a plan. He has His hand in every detail. He can use even those who have hardened their heart against Him for the good of His children.  He knows the past, the present, and the future. Nothing surprises Him.

Lord, You are the God of History. As Maria likes to remind me, You have a perfect schedule for everything. Thank you. Thank you for Your work here, for Your work at home, for Your continued hand in our lives. Thank you for a glimpse into more of the history that helped form my current home. Thank you that you are over all things and in all things.

One of the songs that continually plays in my head is “God of this City” made famous by Chris Tomlin. I yarp it every morning as I eat my banana and look over the city. (Perhaps this is the reason we live in the city center…) The more I am here, the more my heart grows for these people. I have no clue how long I will be here, but while I am, my home will be bathed in words sent up before the throne.

I read a book before coming here called “The Lost Land of the B____.” After visiting Istanbul this weekend and experiencing some of that history, my heart cries to Lord to take His land back. I know that in His perfect time, He will.

You’re the God of History. You’re the king of these people. You’re the Lord of this nation. You’re the light in this darkness. You’re the hope to the hopeless. You’re the peace to restless. There is no one like our Father! Greater things have yet to come and greater things are still to be here!

Tonight I embark on yet another adventure. I will be visiting Antalya, Kuşadası, and Ephesus. Even more history is represented in these places. I serve THE God of every living thing and I am excited to see what He has done, what He is doing, and what is yet to come.