We Will See
"May the God of hope, fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
INSIGHT
Each day we have an opportunity to walk through things from a place of trust and stability OR a place of grasping for control. Some days may feel more predictable than others, but the reality is, we aren't guaranteed anything. If you are anything like me, you like control, and you want to know how things will work out. For me, I like to say my control is just being responsible or intentional, but deep down, I want to ensure things go my way. When we do this, we may get what we want, but what if God had something more in mind
My daughter is constantly asking what we are going to do next. Are we going to get to watch a show before bed? Can we go to the lake again one day? Can we play outside after nap time? Can I have a treehouse one day? Can you buy me Minnie Mouse slippers? None of these questions are bad, but we've been trying to help her enjoy the now instead of grasping for what is coming next. Our answer is almost always, "maybe" or "we will see." Not because we don't want to do the things she is asking for, but because we want to help her find the balance of contentment.
About a week ago, I think the lightbulb came on for her. One day while we were eating lunch, she said, "Mom, can we watch a Christmas movie tonight?" I looked up and smiled because this was probably the twentieth request of the day, but before I could answer, she said, "Maybe we will, maybe we won't, I can be happy either way." My husband and I say this to her all the time, but hearing her say it was like a lightbulb to me.
It's hard not to want what's next; it takes us continually surrendering and choosing to trust each step of the day. I may hate to admit it, but even as an adult, I am grasping to know what God has planned for my life. Sure, my requests are no longer, "can we go outside after nap?" but instead they become, "can you help me get this job promotion?" or "can you make this person see things from my viewpoint?" or even "can you make this hurt go away?" I think God's response is, "maybe I will, maybe I won't, but trust Me either way."
God doesn't promise for things to go exactly as planned, but when we stop grasping for control, we can look to Him and acknowledge that whether something we want happens or not, God can fill us with joy and peace as we trust Him.
REFLECTION
Where do you find yourself grasping to control your circumstances?
What would it look like for you to surrender this area to God?
PRAYER
God, thank you for Your grace when I am always grasping for control. Thank you for knowing what is best and inviting me back each day to trust You and rest in Your loving arms. I lay down my desires and trust that You know what is best. I'm grateful I can share my request with You. I recognize that Your peace and joy fill me as I trust Your plan for my life. Amen.
Katie Robinson, Treasure Island Curriculum Coordinator, wrote today’s devotional.
