The Alpha and Omega

When you don't know where to begin...

 

 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 (ESV)

 

Boxes, boxes, boxes!

It seemed like everywhere I turned, I had to navigate a maze of boxes. I wanted things in order, but I didn’t know where to begin.

When my husband and I married, we combined two households. He sold his house and moved into mine. Though we’d given away a U Haul full of furniture and sold a truckload of assorted items in a yard sale, the garage was still stacked floor to ceiling with stuff. Inside, the house was littered with piles of unsorted items.

I couldn’t even find order and familiarity at my workplace because my job was also in a state of flux.  I was transitioning from teaching kindergarten to teaching in a new first grade classroom. So after my June wedding, when I tired of unpacking, sorting, and arranging at home, I went to my new classroom to do more of the same.

Can I just admit I did a lot of banging and clanging as I not-so-carefully shoved tables and chairs from one corner of the classroom to the other. I may have kicked a few boxes that were too heavy to lift. I sat on the floor and cried.

I hadn’t asked to move to first grade. With so many other changes going on in my personal life, I would have preferred to relax into the familiar routines of the kindergarten class I’d taught for several years. But my principal hadn’t given me a choice. I felt tossed around by circumstances and events beyond my control.

Life seemed chaotic and overwhelming, and I zoomed in on the tiny pixels of my own problems. My view of reality was distorted. I needed a change of perspective.

 I needed to remember I belong to the Almighty God, who is a God of order and has a plan that is unfolding according to his purpose. I can be confident that in the end all will turn out the way God intends.

In the Book of Revelation, as he gives the apostle John a glimpse into heaven, God identifies himself as “him who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty,” the “Alpha and the Omega.”

Because he is the God who was, I know my life is not accidental; I was created with a purpose.

Out of nothing, God created a universe of unfathomable intricacy and complexity. Down to the tiniest particles, all of the pieces of his creation work together to perform their God-intended function. God’s creation is well-planned, and I am part of that plan.

Because he is the God who is, I know he is still involved in my life.

He is still intimately involved in his creation. He holds all things together. And because I am his child, he’s at work in my life, helping me to grow into the person he wants me to be. God can take tragedies in my life and use them for good. Each situation in my life----even a job change I didn’t ask for---has a purpose.

Because he is the God who is to come, I know in the end everything will be made right.

In the Book of Revelation, God gives us a sneak peek at the end of his story. And in the end, God wins. Jesus is coming back to earth, and one day he will make all things right.

When I’m faced with uncertainty, I can ask God to give me his perspective. How might God be using my circumstances to bring about good? What new lessons will I learn? Which new relationships will be formed? How can I honor him?

So sitting on the floor surrounded by cardboard boxes--and after I’d had a good cry--, I prayed. Then I opened the closest box. Stapler, tape dispenser, scissors, pens …..I began setting up my desk.

Father, sometimes I feel overwhelmed. I want to put things in order, but I just don’t know where to start. Give me your wisdom. Then empower me by your Holy Spirit to take the necessary steps. I know you are working in my life to accomplish your purpose. You are the Alpha and Omega, and I am trusting you.

Are you overwhelmed? Remember your life is part of a bigger story. Bring your frustration and confusion to the Lord. Then spend some time just listening for his voice. If it helps, write down what you sense him telling you. What is the first step you need to take?

 He is the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last. All things begin and end with him.