Two Realities, One Truth x Sarah Jakes Roberts

Two Realities, One Truth x Sarah Jakes Roberts

If we aim to be a people who bring our whole selves into a relationship with the Lord, we must go beyond settling for limited perspectives—both our own and those of others. It’s crucial to remember that only God fully understands the complete context of a person’s life and circumstances.

This realization struck me deeply during a trip to Johannesburg. My husband and I didn’t want to simply preach; we wanted to immerse ourselves in the country’s history and culture. Visiting the Nelson Mandela Foundation, I was reminded of his incredible journey: from anti-apartheid activist to South Africa’s first Black president. Yet, amidst the well-known aspects of his legacy, a quote from an unpublished autobiography stood out:

“I have often wondered whether a person is justified in neglecting his own family to fight for opportunities for others.”

This reflection revealed a side of Mandela I hadn’t considered—a man who wrestled with the cost of his global impact on his personal life. It made me realize that every individual carries multiple contexts. While we may admire someone as a leader or role model, they may simultaneously struggle with personal challenges unknown to us.

Recognizing Simultaneous Contexts

One of the biggest traps we fall into is assuming that the context we see defines the entirety of a person. But people exist in multiple contexts simultaneously. Someone may excel as a colleague but grapple with inner wounds. A brilliant educator might struggle as a parent. These overlapping contexts remind us of the complexity of human existence.

For believers, this realization is especially profound. We, too, live in overlapping contexts. We may be striving to grow spiritually, wrestling with doubts, and navigating personal challenges—all at the same time. Understanding this helps us extend grace to others and ourselves.

Trusting God’s Context

Genesis 50:20 illustrates this beautifully: “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.” Notice that the verse doesn’t say God turned it for good; it says He meant it for good. This means two contexts coexisted—the brothers’ harmful intentions and God’s divine purpose.

If we get stuck in a limited perspective, we risk missing the bigger picture God is orchestrating. Trusting God goes beyond believing in His presence within our current struggles. It requires faith in His broader context—one that sees our despair not as the end, but as part of His greater plan for glory.

God’s perspective is limitless. He sees the full picture, the beginning, and the end. While He grieves with us, He is not overwhelmed by our pain because He knows what’s coming next. Our task is to align our perspective with His, trusting that His context transforms our suffering into purpose.

Final Thought

Let this truth guide you: trust not only in God but in His perspective. When life feels overwhelming, remember that what looks like despair to us may be part of a greater glory in His plan. Stay faithful and patient, knowing that God’s context is always working for our good.