Foreshadowing
I had often heard the word "foreshadowing" used by teachers, preachers, bishops, and pastors when they explained parts of the Bible. I believed I understood its meaning and the messages they conveyed. However, it was not until the Holy Spirit woke me up one morning and began to explain it to me in a profoundly simple way that I truly grasped its depth.
While searching the web, I came across a definition of foreshadowing that resonated with me: "Foreshadowing is a narrative device in which a storyteller gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story." This definition was perfect.
One morning, as I sat in prayer, trying to prepare myself to communicate with God, I closed my eyes, attempting to get my heart and mind in the right place. I wanted to be focused and spiritually aligned. In the midst of this, I heard the Holy Spirit ask, "What are you doing?" I responded, "I’m trying to get myself together to come before You." I love how God gets straight to the point, gently yet directly addressing the heart of the matter.
Then, He showed me an image of our little grandson, who was just about a year old. God asked, "How do you want your grandson to come to you?" Without hesitation, I answered, "Just as he is." God then said, "You do not have to fix yourself for Me. I want you to come as you are. As you spend time with Me, change will happen. Just as you spend time with your grandson, transformation occurs naturally."
At that moment, I had a vision of myself with my arms stretched out wide, reaching for our grandson as he stood around the corner, smiling joyfully as he ran toward me. My soul filled with overwhelming joy. God spoke to me again, saying, "This is how I welcome you. This is how happy I am when you come to Me. Your desire is to give your grandson whatever he needs, to have him sit with you while you read him stories, and to hear him talk about everything happening in his life. He can ask you anything, and you will do your best to provide an answer for him."
As the Holy Spirit spoke, I saw this vision play out vividly before me. Then God said, "Your relationship with your grandson is a foreshadowing of My relationship with you. I gave you children and grandchildren so you could begin to understand My love for you. Everything you did to create a good life for your children, and what you now do for your grandchildren, is merely a foreshadowing of the love, the relationship, and the plans I have already prepared for you. This relationship serves as a glimpse into the immense love I have poured upon you."
I sat in reflection, overwhelmed by this revelation. Everything God does is to show us how deeply He loves us. He knows that life will bring troubles that may attempt to blind us from His love. Yet, every day, He has a special plan to reveal His unconditional love to us. Foreshadowing is just one of the many ways God helps us to know Him intimately.
Key Takeaways:
Everything in life has a purpose.
Come to God as you are.
God’s arms are always open wide for you.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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