I get a text just after midnight – someone has put another item on my to do list. I go to McDonalds but they haven’t opened yet for some people didn’t show up to work. I get ready to stream the worship service … and the internet is down, the power has gone out, or the technician hasn’t shown.
I am NOT in control.
I want to hike the trail to the primo view point – but a blizzard blew threw and closed the Blue Ridge Parkway with a mud slide. I want to take my wife out, but no place I recommend is approved by her.
I am NOT in control.
And to apologize up front to Mandela – his quote doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. ““I AM THE MASTER OF MY FATE AND THE CAPTAIN OF MY DESTINY.” I am NOT in control.
Let’s get a bit more introspective … I find myself doing the things I don’t want to do, and not doing the things I want to do. (And if you didn’t get the connection, Paul wrote that principle in his letter to the Romans.)
I look at the scenario and I come to two conclusions …
1 – I need to remember who is in control.
2- I need strength to get me through the times when I am struggling with the lack of control.
Number 1 is simple – God. But knowing and living it out are two different things. And that brings us to number 2. If we can truly, I mean truly remember and acknowledge number 1, it will strengthen us and help us cope with all circumstances – grasping at our very core that God is able.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41.10
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46.1
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4.6-7
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Psalm 94.19
“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” Luke 12.22-26
A great summation of this principle was shared by Ligonier ministries …
In sum, life is both predictable and unpredictable for human beings. We do not know creation exhaustively, and we lack the power to make everything go the way we want. If we were to dwell on only that reality, we would become paralyzed. We would wait for the moment at which we knew our plans would work out perfectly (predictability) but never move because we can never know the perfect time and season (unpredictability). Like the farmer who does not plant until conditions are ideal in every conceivable way, we would not reap (Eccl. 11:4). The only solution is to trust in the providence of God, the One “who makes everything” (v. 5) and works through what we do to fulfill His purposes.
Ligonier Ministries
Forever, I will trust Him – Forever, He is in control.
Muddy Shoes by Todd 
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