Our circumstances can be very troubling at times. I was chatting with a friend about this recently who is going through a difficult time. We try to control our circumstances to ensure a good outcome. We want the best for our family members or friends. That can put a lot of stress on us as well as those around us.

Do we recognize God being in charge of our circumstances? Is He? If He is, then do we need to worry? He may remove things and people from our lives that are interfering with our relationship with Him. In light of eternity, our relationship with Him is of vital importance

We hold on tightly to what we think is important. People, jobs, circumstances. We dread outcomes and don’t rest in Him. And we try to control people for our plans and wishes. God knows what is best and wants our trust.

It is so much better to trust Him for our lives in every circumstance. Things happen to us that we might blame others for. Maybe they are guilty, but God has allowed that to happen for our good. What good can that be? Learning to trust Him, first of all.

How would you fill in the blanks in the following statements?

Life would be different if only____________. Needing  ________ keeps me stressed and in bondage. Bondage is having to have  __________. Let’s learn the secret of holding on to things and people lightly so if they go or change we won’t be afraid. We can see it as God in control and He loves us. He works the circumstances in our lives for His ultimate purpose.

What is the ultimate goal of God for our lives? What is His goal for the high school graduate, single adult, mom, dad, grandparent, preacher, clerk, builder, business person, store cashier, etc? It is the same for all, and I found it in the Bible. Here are but a few places. 

Check out these words to light your path this week:

1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification. (He has set us apart.)

John 15:4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. (He wants us to be fruitful.)

Romans 8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son. (To look like His Son.)

1 Peter 1:15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy for I am holy”. (Be holy in our conduct.)

So wherever we are, wherever we work, whoever we are, God’s will for us is not in what we do but what we are. 

Now doesn’t that simplify life? All will flow from our relationship with Him as He sits on the throne of our heart, the center of our being.

Let’s put our little hand in His hand and walk with Him through the life He has for us each day. Isaiah 41:13

Prayer- Blessed Father, help us to see that You are in control of every part of our lives. We can entrust our lives to Your loving care. Amen