A Miracle Far from Over
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not upon your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths”
—
Raphael had a short but glorious career as a Renaissance artist. Scholars divide his years into three parts. In his first two periods most agree Raphael demonstrated remarkable maturity as an artistic composer. His inspired paintings created worlds that lifted souls beyond the everyday.
But his third and final period baffled even the art critics of the time. They felt that from his works in this final period, Raphael was “filled with questions he could not answer, and gratitude he could not explain.” In his efforts, it appeared he was “witnessing a miracle, but the miracle was far from over…”
Most of us are uncomfortably aware of the many questions we cannot answer. Paul affirms in I Corinthians 13 that “we see through a glass darkly…” There are numerous times in every life when doubt declares war on faith. Daily difficulties easily cloud any vision for the future.
I like how Mark Helprin describes Raphael’s gift in Soldier of the Great War. Through the art that flows from his soul, he exhibits a “gratitude he could not explain.” His unanswered questions remained. But his thankful heart outshined the unknown.
This is one of those important keys to a successful life. The Bible reminds us to:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not upon your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths
(Proverbs 3:5-6).
For surely, in spite of circumstances that rob us of contentment, we continue to be surrounded by quiet miracles. By friendship, or love, or music, or beauty, you likely have glimpsed an unfolding miracle.
Doubt still is. Heartache remains. But like Raphael, stay awake to the wonders of God’s world. Hear the whispers of faith. Remember that beautiful old hymn by Clara Scott:
“Open mine eyes that I may see, glimpses of truth Thou hast for me…Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine.”
Allow God to introduce you again to a miracle: “but the miracle is far from over!”
Eloquently said by Mark Helprin in his fine book Soldier of the Great War.
David Jordan
Senior Pastor