Trivial Pursuit

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts,” declares the Lord.  (Isaiah 55:8-9)

You may remember Trivial Pursuit, the board game that was hugely popular during the 1980s, which challenged players to answer various questions about culture, science, geography, and sports. I happened to come across the game the other day, and it got me thinking about all the “trivial” things—at least, “trivial” from my perspective—that God uses to pursue rebels on the run . . . and that includes you and me.

What seemingly trivial things has God been using to pursue you lately?

• Summer cold?
• Nagging injury?
• Sleepless night?
• Toothache?
• Unexpected expense?
• Unkind boss?
• Grumpy neighbor?
• Problems with your car?
• Traffic ticket?

Take a moment to review just the last week of your life and prayerfully consider all the things that you might regard as insignificant that God sent your way. Is it possible God was trying to get your undivided attention and unwavering affection? Remember, everything God delivers to us, He delivers for our perfection and for His praise. We are being conformed into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29), and our God can and will use anything and everything as a means to that end. More often than not, those things might seem trivial or insignificant from our perspective.

As a pastor, it is not uncommon to hear people talk about some major event in their lives—professional, medical, financial, relational—as a time when God intervened in their lives and did a mighty, magnificent, and miraculous work. To be sure, these are some of the ways God works in the lives of His people, but God also works in those small, seemingly trivial ways . . . and I’m sure you would agree that there are far more of those events in our lives. Remember, not a bird falls to the ground apart from His will (Matthew 10:29). As Paul wrote, “From him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen” (Romans 11:36).

My prayer is that today’s word of encouragement will remind you to pay close attention to all that God is doing in your life, both through significant events and those seemingly trivial ones. God is using every event in your life in the process of conforming you to the image of his Son; nothing is insignificant. If you will listen closely today, perhaps you will hear His still, small voice in something seemingly trivial . . . which will impact you in a significant way!

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!