Monday, January 31, 2005

Backdrops

From a missionary friend of mine, Eric Chapman:

Victory is sweeter against the backdrop of defeat. Even modest accomplishments seem impressive against the backdrop of failure. Rest is more enjoyable after bone-wracking exertion. But most of life is the backdrop. In the sovereignty of God, the backdrop is continually changing, and a person's shadow against it affected not only by his own movements, but also by the changes in the backdrop itself and movements of the other players.

Once a life is over, and folks read the biography, all is clear: the boundaries of the stage are defined, the backdrop is finally static, the features of the Christian are distinct. But the one doing the living cannot see the entire stage of even his own life. Nor does he know in advance at what point the stage called time will end and he will move off stage into eternity.

The only thing that matters is that the Christian with unflinching loyalty to Christ live out the script -- the Scriptures -- the very mind of the self-same Playwrite and Director and Audience. In real life the Christian seldom knows if his is a big or a small role in the play; only the Director knows. Nonetheless, respect, awe and love for the Director make even the "little" role important. In real life the Christian does not even understand all the other players and their roles -- but he must know his own (Col. 1:9) and love the others (I Jn 3:14-16).

As we live the Script against the God-painted backdrop we don't know why He changes the backdrop. Maybe He brings on the darker backgrounds to provide deeper joy in future days of light. Maybe He deigns defeat because He knows victory's mountain is more precious against the backdrop of the valley of failure.

(An inspiring biography that influenced my thoughts for the above is the biography of Robert T. Ketchum, PORTRAIT OF OBEDIENCE. While he was living through trial after trial -- real hard ones, not "easy" ones like ours -- he couldn't have known the beauty of the final picture. His was a portrait of obedience. He called it "obedience", Robert E. Lee called it "duty", I think it the "Spirit-filled life".).

7 Comments:

At June 19, 2020 at 1:46 PM, Blogger aaronnssd said...

This information is meaningful and magnificent which you have shared here about the backdrops. I am impressed by the details that you have shared in this post and It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. I would like to thanks for sharing this article here. Buy Realistic Photography Backdrops Online

 
At December 2, 2020 at 9:45 PM, Blogger Dbackdrop, INC said...

I admire this article for well-researched content and excellent wording. Thank you for providing such a unique information here. Floral backdrop

 
At December 29, 2020 at 11:41 AM, Blogger Laura Bush said...

I will share it with my other friends as the information is really very useful. Keep sharing your excellent work.Cheap Photography Backdrops UK

 
At December 29, 2020 at 11:58 AM, Blogger Laura Bush said...

It's a nice article, Which you have shared here about the photography. Your article is very informative and I really liked the way you expressed your views in this post. Thank you.Wood Backdrop UK

 
At January 7, 2021 at 1:14 PM, Blogger William Jessie said...

I read this article, it is really informative one. Your way of writing and making things clear is very impressive. Thanking you for such an informative article.abstract backdrop

 
At March 23, 2021 at 9:07 PM, Blogger John Clark said...

Extremely useful information which you have shared here about backdrop. This is a great way to enhance knowledge for us, and also beneficial for us. Thank you for sharing an article like this.
white mesh backdrop

 
At September 18, 2025 at 1:42 AM, Blogger blake786 said...

unblocked retro bowl is a fun and accessible football simulation game that combines retro graphics with strategic team management. It’s easy to play anywhere, even on restricted networks.

 

Post a Comment

<< Home