Settle into the Story
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
Insight
Summer is upon us! We are stocking up on sunscreen, with visions of sand & surf. It's time for backyard BBQs, pool parties and family vacations. Ahh, the family vacation... memories of the summer I turned 11 drift back to me.
That was the summer my parents, my older brother and I went on a six-week cross-country sojourn, putting 8,000 miles on our Chevy Impala. "Are we there yet?" was more than a sitcom series joke. It was my daily reality. These were the days before cell phones, tablets and cars with built-in entertainment systems. Unfortunately, there were no family sing-alongs, games of "I-spy," or even mad-libs. We were destination focused! We did not have the benefit of GPS or Google maps to provide direction. The Triple A office mapped out our route on extravagant, fold-out paper maps called "TripTiks." Utmost concentration was needed to follow those highlighted yellow lines. We went from point A to point B with military-like precision. Now, don't get me wrong, it was a great trip. Magical, even. I was the envy of my friends. I saw sights I had only read about…Mt. Rushmore, Disneyland, the Grand Canyon.
It's just that the adventure of it all was dampened somewhat by our single-minded focus on the destination, and not the journey itself.
I reflect on this trip, and wonder if this isn't sometimes how we do life. We beeline from event to event, destination to destination, checking off items on our to-do lists. But in our need to be in control, are we missing the miracle in the moment? Have we sacrificed spontaneity for rigidity? Are we so afraid of getting lost that we overlook the gifts in the unplanned?
I am not saying we shouldn't have goals. We absolutely should. However, our need to hold tight to each detail, orchestrate every move, direct every turn may be the very thing that derails us. Could we be losing our present in a headlong, impatient rush to get to the "there" we think we're supposed to be?
This is not the life of peace, freedom, and purpose God has promised. Today's reading from Ephesians reminds us that our good works have been prepared in advance. We can loosen the reigns. We can give up that illusion of control and just breathe. Think about what we could be missing when we sacrifice the journey for the destination. Life is a process! Every day is a chance to learn, grow, and make a difference. We can't rush it, nor can we anticipate every twist & turn. There are so many lessons we might miss taking a shortcut we think will get us there faster. Maybe we have so romanticized the "there" that we forget to be "here.”
Author Corrie Ten Boom reminds us, "Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see."
This wisdom is from a woman who, with her family, saved hundreds of Jews during the Holocaust. She was discovered, and then put in a concentration camp herself. But she held tight to her faith, holding worship services for the prisoners.
Even in struggles, in the unexpected and the difficult, God is faithful, ever-present, and working for our good. Our future is in the hands of the Creator of the Universe. I am so humbled and so grateful for this amazing truth. When talking with my family about the topic, I think my kids summed it up quite well. "Mom," they assured me, "just because we're uncertain about our future doesn't mean God is."
It's an act of obedience, a sign of our submission and step in faith, to entrust our lives to Jesus. When we relinquish control, what we receive far surpasses what we think we've given up. God's faithfulness is the model for our own. All the navigational assistance we need is found in our walk with Him. Our map is found in every truth He says about us. What feels like a sidetrack may very well be a nudge, a whisper we did not anticipate, but just seems like a response to His call. Sometimes stillness brings about the greatest movement of all in our hearts and spirits as we move closer and closer to Jesus.
Reflection
Are there areas in your life where you need to loosen your hold?
Was there a time when an unexpected detour surprised you with growth, blessings, or perhaps a greater hope in your future? What was your posture toward God at that time?
Prayer
Father, help us remember that our daily walk is part of your miraculous plan. Help us slow down and be still. Help us discover Your joy in each moment. Help us settle into that state of contentment, confidence and hope that comes only from trusting You. You are faithful, Lord, and Your plans give us hope and a future. Let us rest in that today, Lord, wherever we are, knowing You've got us right where we need to be. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Port City writer Paula Argenio wrote today’s devotional.
