Don’t See What YOU See

Back to the Future for many reasons is one of my favorite movies.  1. It was released in 1985-the year I graduated from high school. (yes, I am getting ready to celebrate 40 years and if this post passes the eyes of any Alumni, I better see you this fall😊!). 2. It starred Michael J. Fox who continued to be a blockbuster icon in the 80’s and 90’s.  When I first dated my husband, he reminded me of Michael J. Fox- so, of course, I thought he was cute 😉!  The premise of the movie is Marty McFly accidentally travels back in time to when his parents met in high school.  Although there are many “time travel” movies, this one uses what was a “bad” event in the past for a “good” outcome for the future.  To explain, Marty knew the exact time The Clock Tower was going to be struck by lightning.  This knowledge is ultimately what helps him get the power to send him “Back to the Future” and to the life he had or so he thought (No spoiler alert here-you will have to watch the movie to find out).

Marty’s knowledge makes me think of God’s Omniscience.  Even when we cannot see it (the why?, the who?, the what?), He does. He uses the “bad” of this fallen world for His “good” all-knowing purpose. Now, do not misunderstand what I am saying—sometimes in hindsight, we are given the opportunity to see the path to the “good” but other times, we may have to wait until we stand before His presence. The important thing to remember is God’s lens is eternal, and this world is temporal.

“It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority” (Acts 1:7) or “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, and His steadfast love endures forever” Psalms 100:5 (this verse is repeated numerous times in the Bible.  When God repeats Himself, He definitely wants our attention.

Throughout my life, I have witnessed this truth many times-even when it took years.  For example, my twins were born with asthma.  From the time they were 6 months old, I had to give them Albuterol treatments through a nebulizer machine frequently.  It was always stressful when they got sick which was often.  I remember thinking having twins was hard enough but having medical issues brought it to another level.  Then, 3 years later, my 3rd son was born, and he had a life-threatening event at 3 months old.  It was my knowledge of the nebulizer machine with all its tubing, pieces, and medication that saved his life. I was in “auto mode” or “muscle memory” -either way, I set that machine up in seconds and his bronchial spasm relaxed.

Another instance, my husband had an interview with a USAir.  We were living in Arizona, and I, 100% believed this was our “ticket” (no pun intended) back home to PA.  Yet, shockingly he received the awful “rejection letter” on his birthday! Yet, the same day, he also received a letter to contact United Airlines for an interview.  He eventually was hired. The “good” was more than the job offer, years later, USAir no longer exists, and this year in 2025, he is celebrating 25 years of service with United Airlines.  We couldn’t see but, God could!

Finally, over the last several years, Paul and I have had some “burdensome” issues occur. The future is unclear, and numerous plans have been delayed and/or thwarted.  Even though I cannot see God’s end result, I am already grateful for the awareness of some positives.  Thus, regardless of the final outcome, I am going to choose to believe God’s way is more than “good”-it’s GREAT!

Song: Haven’t Seen it Yet by Danny Gokey