Helpless But Hopeful
At the time of this writing, it is three days before our biggest community event of the year. I’ve been planning and preparing for weeks, hoping to iron out every wrinkle so the day will run smoothly and successfully. But you know what the Bible says about man's plans, right?
About a week and a half ago, my back decided to throw one of its fits. This wasn't its everyday pinch, sting, and ache. This was lying flat in the bed for an entire week! Yup, a whole week where I couldn't work on the mountain of things that needed to be done. Oh, how helpless and frustrated I felt.
After a visit with my osteopath, I finally started feeling some relief and could start pecking away at a chore here and there as long as I took long rest and stretch breaks in between. Unfortunately, just as I was beginning to feel some relief in my back, I noticed a dry tickle in the back of my throat. Today, that tickle has developed into a full-blown chest cold, complete with brain fog, fatigue, coughing, congestion, and so much more.
As I think about the many things I still need to do and fret about what will happen if I don't, it takes everything in me not to break down and cry. But as frustrating and overwhelming as this situation feels, I know deep down that God is in control. His timing is perfect, even when things seem to be falling apart all around me. The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
When life throws us curveballs, and everything feels chaotic, that's when we need to lean on the Lord the most. He has a plan and a purpose, even if we can't see it amid our struggles. Isaiah 55:8-9 says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Instead of fretting and trying to figure everything out on my own, I need to surrender my worries to the Lord. 1 Peter 5:7 instructs, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." And when I'm tempted to be anxious, I should follow Philippians 4:6-7, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Even though this situation feels impossible in my own strength, I have to remember that with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). He can take my weakness and use it for His glory if I let Him. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."