People approach life in different ways. Some are like gamers with the controller firmly in their hands. They attempt to control their life by being regimented and scheduled. They try to control those around them as well. Misfortune and unforeseen circumstance keep this person just one step away from truly gaining control. There are some who are like a Hot Wheels car on a racetrack. They live life at high speed, and when they fall behind they cut corners and figure out how to make up for the loss. The occasional breakdown or blown tire keeps them just one lap away from gaining control. Others are like a teeter totter. Life is filled with highs and lows. Sometimes they get stuck down low and when they can’t take it anymore, they look for a self-improvement fix. Something inspires them and they fly high for a while until that wears off and they are again lower than low. They are just one step away from the ultimate life-fix or perhaps the ultimate crash. There’s a better way to live. Each of these people are trying to gain control of their life by their own power and actions. Although greater discipline, running harder and faster, and self-improvement philosophies can be beneficial, the only way to peace and contentment is by surrendering control to God.

Scripture
2 Ti 1:7; Col 1:16-17; Mt 10:29-31; Ep 1:9-10; Pr 3:6; 2 Sa 16:19; Ro 8:28

Verses
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Ti 1:7) For by him all things were created, in heaven and on the earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Col 1:16-17) We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. (Ro 8:28)

Thought
God is sovereign. What does that mean? It means to have supreme, independent authority. God has authority over all nations, people, circumstances…everything in heaven and on earth. The Colossians passage says, “in him all things hold together.” God isn’t looking down on earth as though he’s watching a bad reality show where you and I are the stars; he is holding all things together. In Matthew 10:29-31 Jesus says that the Father knows when a sparrow falls and knows the very number of hairs on your head. God is passionately interested in every detail of your life and mine. How do you respond to God’s sovereignty? You can either rebel or cooperate. When we cooperate we still don’t know what life will bring, but God gives many certainties. We know that we are to love God, our neighbors, ourselves, glorify God with our lives, share the good news of Jesus Christ, serve, and make a difference in God’s Kingdom. We know that God is working to conform us to the image of Christ, and we know that, ultimately, we will live with him in heaven forever. Contemplating God’s sovereignty allows us to relax and see the big picture. When difficulties come, things feel out of control and usually trigger either anger or action or both. When you contemplate God sovereignty you rest and reflect. You consider what God may be trying to say to you in and through the situation. Christ-followers, celebrate God’s sovereignty. Through the good and bad times you can look back and see that God was involved, you see his hand and realize you have grown in and through life’s difficulties. He is conforming you to his image.

Questions
What’s your first thought when a bad situation arises? Are you most likely to be angry and react, or rest and reflect? When have you flown off and reacted when faced with difficulty? How did it turn out? When have you taken pause and reflected when faced with difficulty? How did it turn out? What is your interpretation of Romans 8:28? In what ways can God work our situation with the COVID virus to bring some good results? How can you be part of the good?

Response
Reflect on the difficulties in your past and remember the ways that God worked in the midst of those. Pray and thank God that he is with us in the good times and the bad.

Prayer
Dear God, thank you for caring about the details of my life. Help me to trust in your sovereignty, knowing that in all things you are working for good. Help my faith and trust to grow during this difficult time, in Jesus’ Name I pray!