We have no idea what tomorrow will bring. We can only manage what comes today. We may plan for tomorrow only to have our plans interrupted by the unforeseen and unexpected. For example: in the Mid-West a tornado can rip through a town in minutes leaving rubble behind, on the East coast hurricanes will cause similar damage and flooding, on the West coast there are wild fires. Or it’s hearing from the doctor the news you were dreading, or a serious accident leaving one hospitalized. And for the past seventeen months dealing with the silent and unseen virus that has reshaped the world and our very lives. September 11, 2001 was another day that sudden tragedy was seen unfolding on our living room TV’s.
All these events touch us emotionally reminding us that we are not in control. They affect us in many ways: emotional shock, disbelief, anger, fear, insecurity, loss, loneliness and anxiety. We like to believe we are in control of our lives, until tragedy hits. There is a flip side to losing control; learning to be content in every circumstance, knowing that God is in complete control of our daily lives so we can place our complete confidence and hope in Him.
God the creator, who has made everything and loves us and is moving the world toward a new earth and heaven assures us we have nothing to fear when our faith is anchored in Him.
For the past year nothing has been the same. For some, due to the lock down have spent more time with family and a reprieve from the rat race. At the same time others experience depression, and anger.
Here is where we have a choice. We can learn to accept the changes that have come or we can let them control our lives. To resist change is to expend energy that will wear us out. Our cozy routine of the familiar is not something we want to exchange for the discomfort of the unknown. Yet we know life is a process that involves change.
What can we do? Know that in the course of life nothing remains the same for very long. Accept the reality of change. Good or bad, change we didn’t ask for will occur. Change has the potential to refine our character or harden our resistance and stubbornness. James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Be assured God is with you in this and promises to see you through victoriously.
More on what we can do next week.
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
Sunday 22, 9:00 Morning worship. Sermon: Elijah’s Crisis. 1 Kings 19:5-18
Sunday 29, 11:00 Church Picnic at Abele’s farm. 20621 440th St. Lake Mills
