Through our union with Christ we too have been claimed by God as his own inheritance. Before we were even born, he gave us our destiny; that we would fulfill the plan of God who always accomplishes every purpose and plan in His heart. (Eph. 1:11)
One thing I have learned about myself over the last year is just how much I like control. I like to feel like I’m in the driver’s seat of life and that I can anticipate and prepare myself for any eventual outcome. Trying to remain in control has been a coping mechanism to deal with fear in my life and has fueled things like anxiety, perfectionism and unrealistic pressure and expectations that I put on myself and sometimes others.
When I heard about the Coronavirus, it didn’t hit close to home (at first). It seemed like a foreign disease that was too far away to lose any sleep over. Next, I heard about the toilet paper hoarding and laughed. Seriously? Come on. Then I realized if we didn’t buy toilet paper, there would be no more left and things I’ve taken for granted (like being able to wipe my butt) no longer felt certain. Next, stores started closing and jobs started shutting down. I realized I couldn’t book my honeymoon yet and that my wedding planned for July is now very up in the air. Finally, I was temporarily laid off from my own job that I love.
Within just a few weeks, I learned just how little control I have over even the little things that I have always taken for granted. I am challenged on a whole other level to recognize and to trust that God is in control. God is not taken by surprise. Even when we are forced to take life one day at a time, God knows the outcome. His plans will prevail. His goodness, His mercy, and His faithfulness still follow us.
I am so encouraged to see the church rising up at this time and utilizing every tool to make God’s love known. Personally, I am challenged to put my faith into action. I am challenged to give up my plans and my right to know the outcome and to put my confidence in the fact that He is my source. Even when the whole world is in chaos, His love is always accessible and available. There may be a shortage on toilet paper, but there is no shortage on the true joy and true peace that comes from resting in Him and knowing Jesus as the one we can always depend on.
It’s time to realize that we are not in control, but that we can trust in the one who is.
