True or False:
- I’m a nice person so everyone will like me. True or False?
- I work hard to get good results so I’ll have a job until retirement. True or False?
- I’m a good person so I’ll go to heaven. True or False?
- God loves me so nothing bad will happen. True or False?
Process versus Outcome:
We have responsibility over our thoughts, words, and deeds, but we do not control the outcome.
We can be nice, loving, and giving, and yet the Bible guarantees some will hate us (Matthew 10:22; 24:9).
We can work hard, and even get good results for our companies, but that does not guarantee that we’ll keep our jobs (e.g. James 4:14).
Whatever happens, we continue to be accountable for our own actions.
Presumption
We can keep our own moral code—perfectly, but that does not obligate God to justify us (Luke 18:10-14).
God does love His children with an infinite, everlasting love. But that does not mean this life will be smooth sailing. We are told to expect trouble (John 16:33).
We are encouraged to walk in a manner worthy of our Lord, but that does not mean the path will be easy.
We get into trouble when we presume that, since God loves us, and He does, we will get what we want. We are in a deep pit if we think we can control God. God is not controllable. God works all things after the counsel of HIS will (Ephesians 1:11).
Throughout my eye trouble, I prayed that He would restore my vision. My book was going to be released soon (June 25), I wanted to be able to read it; I wanted to be able to promote it. Surely God wants me to be in service to Him. Surely that means I’ll be able to see. He is a good God. God loves me. He created my eyes. Surely…surely…
God is in control
But, throughout this trial, I was conscious that God would be very bit as loving, very bit as good, if He took my sight from me. If He did that, He would have plans for me to serve Him as a blind person. Honestly, I did not like that alternative, but I determined to trust Him regardless of the outcome.
We are not in control. Repeat: We are NOT in control. NOT! NOPE! NEVER!
But the One who is in control loves us. We can—we must—trust Him.
My book is now available through KristinPSnyder.com or Amazon!
When Storms Come: Will You Be Ready? helps Christians not fearbad news, shows them how to handle current trouble, and help them emerge stronger on the other side.
