Living in the Parallel

Let’s clarify the concept of living in the parallel and its implications for our lives.

We all live in a parallel framework. Picture yourself in the middle, with parallel lines above and below you. These lines represent different aspects of your life. The line below your feet signifies suffering, while the line above your head symbolizes God’s sovereignty.

Our goal is to understand what each parallel line represents. When suffering is below you, it means suffering is not controlling your life. Instead, you are centered on God’s sovereignty, with His control and purpose reigning above your suffering.

This alignment is crucial. We must ensure that God’s sovereignty is always above us, guiding and managing our suffering. If this is flipped, with suffering ruling over us and God’s sovereignty beneath, we will be overwhelmed by our hardships.

Living in this parallel reality is something everyone experiences. Our focus should be on remaining sovereign-centered, allowing God’s sovereignty to manage our suffering. As Joseph said, “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.” The emphasis should shift from the evil intentions to God’s good purposes.

Living a sovereign-centered life doesn’t eliminate suffering, as seen in Joseph’s life, but it ensures we are not controlled by it. We have no other option but to live in this parallel framework. Our choice lies in deciding whether to be managed by our suffering or by our sovereign Lord.