I get the biggest kick out of it when God uses something secular to reinforce His Word to me—totally unexpected. He did that last week. Gene and I were watching a silly sitcom. One of the characters is eccentric but every so often he will say something profound which. Of course, this makes what he said more profound because he said it and it was so true.

At one point in the show the main character was spiraling down in his own world of crazy because he was worried and upset about the weather and how it would affect his farm. He was thinking the situation to death. His wife tried to reason with him and asked he would do something fun with her, but he refused. She left and in entered the eccentric character.

He asked the main character, “Can you make it rain?”

“No,” answered the main character.

“Can you make the wind change direction?”

“No.”

What’s the one thing you can do?”

At this point the main character catches on. He looks at the barn floor and then Mr. Eccentric says,

“Go with your wife.”

Immediately something Jesus said came to my mind—“And which of you by worrying can add even one hour to his life?. . .So then, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:27, 34, NET)

I experienced clarity that I very much needed.

Could I control all that was stirring in my soul?

No.

Could I control any of it?

No.

What’s the one thing I could do?

Pray.

It seems almost each day brings new challenges in our difficult season. Often just when I think I see a path to the end, something happens that sends the end so far into the future I would need the Hubble Telescope to see it.

This past week I have thought of the eccentric character’s words often. And then I go right to Jesus’ words, “And which of you by worrying can add even one hour to his life? . . .So then, do not worry.”

My worry serves no purpose except to get myself and my family more upset. Instead I have been making a practice of praying a variety of verses from Psalm 37. This psalm continues to speak to my fears, frustrations, and worry. It reminds me that God has us. He is our protector, refuge, comfort, deliverer, and helper. After I pray I am able to let God hold all that is going on and trust Him, knowing that He is on it. Often I see Him come through for us in small ways that are getting us closer to the end. In any case, I rest in His care and peace.

This is a daily, usually several times a day, process. But that’s ok. God is faithful and patient to meet me where I am each time.

Wherever you are today, think about your difficult time.

Can you control any of it?

What can you do to affect change or a better result?

Start with prayer. Give it to God. Trust Him. If He has something for you to do next, He will for sure let you know.

Credits:

Photo: Free Nature Stock

TV quotes: “Bless This Mess”, April 24, 2019.

Brenda Garrison is an author and speaker who empowers women with the confidence to live their calling. Brenda is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ministry Leadership with a Concentration in Women’s Ministry at Moody Bible Institute. She and her husband, Gene, are the parents of three young adult daughters and live near Metamora, IL.