I’ve recently been walking through some major changes in my life and the “unknowns” can be very challenging, to say the least. I can tend to lean on many of my past experiences to help negotiate the way and that is somewhat helpful. But, most of the time, I really don’t know what’s going to happen. I do know that it ultimately all comes down to me trusting God in everything.
When facing the “unknowns” in my own strength, things tend to spiral out of control. It’s similar to flying a kite when conditions are not friendly. When I’m impatient and run ahead of God, it’s like a kite trying to fly when the wind is too strong. The kite gets beaten and broken, and falls apart. When I stall and get frozen in fear, it’s as if there is no wind at all and no matter how hard I try (or not try), it’s as if there no wind for flight to help me get things done.
Trusting God should be simple. And it is — beautifully, excruciatingly simple. But, I can forget that and then almost always end up questioning why I didn’t start out trusting in an omnipotent, omniscient, all-knowing, and all-powerful God, rather than trying to do things in my own strength?
Here’s an example from my own life. I have been in the throngs of selling and moving out of my home in Provo and buying and remodeling a house in Draper. I felt my vast construction prowess and experience would carry me through the fast paced schedule I had planned. Not so. I totaled our car on Christmas Eve (thankfully, no one was hurt). On New Year’s Day, some pipes froze and flooded the basement of our newly purchased home. My schedule was in chaos and I was a bit frazzled. Finally, I came to a place where I had to laugh to keep from crying. I simply praised God and asked for help.
Some of my favorite verses came to mind, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6). No matter what unknown you face today, go to God and trust Him completely and whole-heartedly.
Do not rely on your own experience or know-how. Be like a helpless infant and look to God and He will ALWAYS come through to lift you up and show you the way.
Walking down straight paths,
Mac
Posted in A Word from the Pastor