Reality hits us square in the
face when we realize that we are not in control of our circumstances. What do we
do when the world as we know grumbles around us? Who do we turn to?
Take for example a business owner who has relative
success. All is going smoothly. He can finally save some money in his unusually
empty bank account, and he feels he is in control and life is secure.
Suddenly and without cause, several of his clients
decide to take their business elsewhere and others are talking about doing the
same. His secure world falls into shambles and he desperately tries to figure
out how to get more business.
Does this sound familiar? Oh, this can happen in any
aspects of our lives: our family begins fighting with one another, attendance in
the big church begins to go down, friends starting to avoid us, divorce, layoffs
…
We always try to take charge of our mishaps and try to
figure our way out, but more often than not, we are left wanting and in despair.
Truly only One can give us the necessary wisdom!
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on
your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your
paths straight." (Prov 3:5-6 NIV)
I know it is hard to hand God the things we think we
can handle ourselves. But think of it this way: When we refuse to hand things
over to God, we are, in reality, showing that we trust ourselves more than our
Heavenly Father who is far above any circumstance! Is it really worth it? Can we
truly do anything about our circumstances? It may initially seem possible, but
more often than not we place ourselves in a worse scenario than ever before.
Is it really worth it to worry throughout the night
when we could have simply handed it over to our Heavenly Daddy, and placed it in
His trust? Do we truly believe He can and will help us, even amidst the most
dire circumstances? Hasn't He promised us rest?
He promised us: "Come to me, all you who are weary and
burdened, and I will give you rest." NIV
Will we take Him at His word?
"But what about those clients who are shunning me?"
It's all a question of whom we trust. May we take the
dire circumstances of our life as opportunities to get to know God more on an
intimate level. I promise you won't be disappointed!
P.S. Just
yesterday I experienced just this type of a situation. I'm happy to say
that instead tossing and turning in my bed, as I usually do all night after such
an experience, I slept like a baby, for I knew my God would take care of my
monstrosity of a problem. I don't yet know the outcome, but it doesn't
matter, because when I leave God in charge, it always turns out for the best.
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.