D. Westry is an American “speed painter” (“speed painting” an artistic technique where the artist has a limited time to finish the work), and this example of his work is a reminder of how perspective changes everything.

In our lives things can appear a certain way—or even be incomprehensible—when we look at it from one perspective. But when we look from another, an entirely new understanding can emerge.

God often works like this in our lives. We’re sure something is a terrible mess, and then suddenly—from the distance of time or a simple tilt of the head—God’s purposes become clear. His workings are not always recognizable, or even attractive, and we have to remember that he is always working with and through broken channels. Prayer and discernment can help us gain new perspectives and come a little closer to seeing as God does.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,neither are your ways my ways,”declares the Lord.“As the heavens are higher than the earth,so are my ways higher than your waysand my thoughts than your thoughts. …”                                —Isaiah 55:8–9