The Big Picture
God sees the big picture and knows what’s best for His children. Always.
This story of God’s grace occurred 50 years ago. I was about to graduate from high school and was praying about which college to attend. I narrowed my choices to Oregon State University, Pacific University, and the University of Hawaii.
UH was at the bottom of my list, but it was practically free. Those of you who know me know what a big deal that is! I really wanted to go to school on the “mainland,” but that wouldn’t be possible without receiving a huge financial aid package. So, I asked God to provide a full-ride scholarship – or close to it – if He wanted me at one of the Oregon schools. Then I applied, prayed, and waited.
Oregon State got back to me and offered a scholarship, but it wasn’t enough to cover tuition. Pacific offered a generous financial aid package, but it still didn’t cover tuition. “OK, Lord,” I prayed, “I guess You want me to attend college at UH.” I wrote to both schools to thank them and figured that was the end of it.
But God had other plans. A few weeks later, Pacific University phoned to tell me that it had reviewed my financial aid package and now was going to cover the entire cost of tuition! Why is that so significant? Pacific was located across the street from the church where I met Janine, now my wife of 46 years.
Yes, God sees the big picture.
– Craig Sonoda
