Out Of My Hands
It is easy to feel like we actually have very little control at all.
Reference: Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” (Acts 24:22 NIV)
Explore: While I am in control of my own decisions, I am often restricted by other people.
If I have a great idea at work, I must run it past my superiors first. If I want to catch up with friends, I must work it into our family schedule. If I need to discuss a matter with someone, I need to wait until they are available.
When you start to look at our activities like this, you come to realise how dependent we are on other people’s decisions. It is easy to feel like we actually have very little control at all.
However, I’m a firm believer that we still have the choice of how to act in any given situation. When we are required to wait, or put our ideas on hold, or even told “no”, it is our decision in how we respond.
Application: Paul even shows us how to act when we are waiting. His whole life was on the line and yet his trial was constantly pushed back and he was told to wait.
If I was Paul, I would have been furious at the authorities as well as at God. Paul was important; he was an effective evangelist; why would God make him wait for so long to be freed so that he could continue his good work?
Thankfully, for the history of our faith, I am not Paul. Instead of showing frustration Paul chose patience, wisdom and soundness of mind.
We can all experience frustrations in life, but each and every day, in every situation, God calls us to act in such a way that glorifies Him. Let’s not allow the pressures of every day stand in the way of being an example for Christ.
Prayer: Lord God, it is often hard to see the purpose in the little annoyances of life. Help us to always clothe ourselves with Your character and to shine Your light through every single day. Amen.
What can remind you of God’s character when frustrations arise?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.