What is life really about?
Life isn’t about the money we missed because we were out
sick for three days.
It isn’t about living paycheck to paycheck.
It isn’t about what we think the world owes us.
It isn’t about losing our job or finding out that we’re not
receiving all the benefits we thought we were getting or the fact that our
insurance payment is due and we can’t scrape up the money to keep on track.
It’s not about any of that.
Do you know that feeling of pure panic that comes at the end
of all the scenarios I just presented to you? Well, it’s not about that panic,
either.
It’s what we do when we feel that panic. It’s how we handle
that sense of urgency that comes with being the one to figure out what to do
next.
Let me tell you: if you think you’re still in the driver’s
seat at that point of panic, pull the car over and park it. If you’re in
full-blown panic mode, you ain’t in control, honey, that’s for sure.
Believe me, I’ve been there. One week last October, I was
sick and missed a lot of work. I only worked four hours (and I usually work
around twenty, give or take a couple.) My paycheck was severely lessened,
obviously. What I realized, though, is that it’s not about the missing money or
the few hours I managed to work or any of that stuff. It’s not even about how I’d
somehow survive that week. Nope. It isn’t about me.
It’s all about God.
It’s about how He wanted me to realize that He is the one
behind the steering wheel. He is the one who provides everything I need. God
has provided me shelter, food, and a loving family. He has provided me with a
job that I love with a boss who is flexible and understands when I’m sick and
unable to come in for a couple days. God has provided everything I need, and He
will continue to do so.
In all of life, good times and bad times alike, it’s super
important that we always remember to praise God and thank Him for being in
charge of our lives. He looks out for us and provides for us in so many ways,
most of which we either take for granted or completely fail to notice.
Too many times we’re focused on where our next meal,
paycheck, etc. are coming from that we blind ourselves to how God is moving on
our behalf. We all need to just slow down a little bit and observe the ways in
which God touches our lives, providing all our needs—and blessing us with fun
“extras” simply because He loves us.
I’m reminded of a verse in Matthew chapter seven.
Matthew 7:11 NIV
“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good
gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good
gifts to those who ask him!”
He blesses us with so many
gifts, even without asking Him: the ability to breathe, health, food, shelter,
family, friends. The list continues. How much more will He bless us when we
ask!
A key to this, for me, is to remember to thank Him for the
blessings He grants us as they come our way. It’s always wonderful to show our
appreciation for His thoughtfulness toward us.
Praise God, for He is good! May He continue to bless each of
you as you journey through life with Him. Amen.
How does God remind
YOU that He’s in control? Do you find it easy or difficult to turn the wheel
over to Him? What do you have to let go of in order for Him to drive the car? Do you remember to praise and thank Him in even the difficult days?
Please share your stories
in the comment section.
2 comments:
Wonderful post, Andrea. Though thankfully I haven't had the paycheck panic at this point, my panic moments tend to come in the form of "There's too much on my plate and I don't even know where to start and what have I gotten myself into??" :) God is continually reminding me, though, that he IS in control...that he wouldn't get me started down a path just to abandon me halfway down the road...the he is my helper and my strength. So thankful for that!
Melissa, you're absolutely right! God doesn't show us the right path and then abandon us along the way. He may grow silent, as He likes to see our faith in action, but He never leaves our side. Trust Him, girl. He's got your back.
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