Details, Details!

The Lord said to Moses, “I want the people of Israel to build me a sacred residence where I can live among them. You must make this Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the plans I will show you.” Exodus 25:8, 9 NLT

Have you ever heard a Christian say, “I prayed for the parking spot nearest the door; and just as I arrived, a car pulled away from that very spot”? Some people think this
sounds silly. They ask, “Why bother God with such little details?” To them I say, “Have you read the Old Testament? It’s full of lengthy passages with God detailing His plans for His people.” For instance, while laying out His architectural blueprints, God describes the construction of the Tabernacle (worship centre) and all its equipment: “Make an Ark of acacia wood-a sacred chest 3¼ feet long, 2¼ feet wide, and 2¼ feet high. Overlay it inside and outside with pure gold and put a molding of gold all around it” (Exodus 25:10, 11). Next, carrying a tape measure, needle, and thread, He explains the design of the special uniform the priests are to wear when ministering in the Tabernacle: “The chestpiece will be made of two folds of cloth, forming a pouch nine inches square. Four rows of gemstones will be attached to it. The first row will contain a red carnelian, a chrysolite, and an emerald. The second row . . .” (28:16, 17). Following this chapter, with His clipboard and checklist in hand, He announces the exact procedure for the dedication ceremony of the priests. In addition to building projects and priestly procedures, God, wearing a khaki-coloured helmet, frequently reveals detailed military strategies to Israel’s army commanders (see Joshua 6 about the taking of Jericho). And finally, if we were not yet persuaded that God is “Lord of all details”, then we can read the Book of Leviticus which contains chapters describing the worship and offerings required by the Israelites – all to show them how to lead holy lives before the Lord their God. Now, convinced of God’s interest in life’s little things, I consider in which areas of my life I involve Him.

On a conscious level, I try to include God in everything I do. As big plans usually involve others, such as family events, ministry work, traveling, or community involvement, I pray about each situation and ask God to show me His way. Further, for matters of less significance I usually seek God’s intervention at the moment of need. For instance, while shopping with my husband for a ‘father-of-the-bride’ suit, we could not find a tie with the right ‘wedding’ colours in it. After the second store yielded nothing, and upon entering the third store, I said a quick prayer asking God to find us the tie. I rounded the next display shelf and there it was, the perfect tie; and on sale, too! In addition, for creative endeavors I like to have an on-going conversation with God who leads me to pleasing results. Finally, for troubles involving tools or technology, I always ask God to make them work! Although, most of time I want God involved in my details, there are other times when I just proceed on my own.

It is on the sub-conscious level where I sometimes forget about God. Occasionally, when I get a great idea, I just excitedly proceed without prayerfully considering the effects of my project on others. Usually, it is almost too late when I remember that, “I should have prayed about this!” Then, in my embarrassment, I need to backtrack and sometimes apologize for my haste. It is these times when I definitely need God in my details!

After studying the many passages in the Bible that reveal God’s love of details, I realize that God not only cares for the grand scheme of things but also for the little things in my life, and yours. So, although a parking spot is a small thing, asking God to be involved in our daily walk keeps us tuned into His desires and strengthens our relationship with Him.

Lord, thank you that you are interested in the details of everyday life. Thank you that, upon creating us, you did not leave us alone to make our own way, but that you are available with your infinite resources to bless us along our life’s journey. For every situation I encounter, help me to remember to turn to you, the One who created the details in the first place! Amen.