Thirty-four is a number associated with greatness. For you sports fans, you know that Nolan Ryan wore it in baseball, Shaquille O’Neal in basketball and Walter Payton in football. But long before those sport heroes lived there was a Dutch artist named Johannes Vermeer. Unfortunately, Vermeer’s greatness was not attained until centuries after his death. But he too has the number thirty-four credited to him.

While other famous artists produced hundreds of paintings and drawings over the course of their careers, thirty-four is the number of paintings by Vermeer that are still in existence today. Because his paintings are so rare his work demands the highest prices in the art world.  

Rare, too, is this season of turmoil in which America has been embroiled over the past year. It seems as if the proverbial mirror has been held up so America can closely gaze at herself. She is now beginning to recognize the blemishes that have been hidden for hundreds of years. And, as it goes with anyone who takes a closer look at themselves and desires change, improving oneself is never easy.

America isn’t perfect for sure, but I have travelled to enough countries in the world to understand that despite her flaws, she is the greatest country on Earth.

It’s important to remember that God is still in control even as our world is seemingly in chaos. No matter how dire the situation appears, there is a God who loves us deeply. We can hang our hats on this truth:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

These aren’t empty words written by a detached author. These words were written by the Apostle Paul, a guy who had been beaten, whipped, stoned and imprisoned. With that kind of a resume how could he possibly think that God could work out those terrible circumstances for good? It is because he looked beyond his immediate circumstances and understood that any calamity he was currently facing was for the glory of God.

And so it is with America. The trials we are currently experiencing will forge much needed change and will make America better because of it.