For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Phil. 2:13 (ESV)
Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. Rev. 4:1-2 (NLT)
“I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good.” Jer. 29:11 (NLT)
Heavenly Father, you seem to find great joy in reminding me how little control I have over things like pain and politics, people and planes. Speaking of which, my plane, which was to leave Orlando at 9:20 last night, left at 11:30 pm. I begin today with 3 hours of sleep, a lot to do, and the assurance that you are a good Father. Indeed, I’ll need extra grace from you today, and perhaps, a power nap.
Seriously, I’m really good with not being in control, as long as you keep giving me an unobstructed, undiminished, 20/20 sighting of yourself, sitting on your magnificent throne, ruling over all things.
I don’t really need a timeline of when everything is going to be okay, or a sneak preview of what it’s going to look like. All I need to know (in my heart of hearts) is that you are constantly at work in all things for your glory—in history, the cosmos, and my life; in big stuff and little stuff, in great blessings and great inconveniences.
Since you’ve given Jesus for our perfect and full salvation, why would we ever doubt your plans for anything else? You promise sufficient grace, not the satisfaction of our agendas; Christlikeness, not a hammock and cool breeze; your glory covering the earth, not 8 hours of deep sleep every night. Father, I want to trust you more, rest in your love, and be a non-whiner. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ kind and glorious name.
