Romans 8:28

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.

One of the greatest powers we have as human beings is in how we respond to things we can’t change. We hear the words that God has a plan, we say we trust in God and yet most of the struggle in our lives is not trusting in the truth of that.  We have control over one thing, our response to the world around us. It sounds simple, it sounds small even, but I assure you that this is no small thing.

For example, consider when someone you care about is ill, perhaps they are having an operation and you are worried and don’t know what to do. You are not the physician, you have no control over anything that happens before, during or after the surgery. But you can control your response. You can pray for them, offer to wait with the family at the hospital, make a meal, a phone call or text, send cards or offer a ride. Responding in this way is meaningful, it matters because in those moments you are the face and hands of God in this world, what a gift it is to be able to respond as such!  Trust that He will guide you to respond in ways that nurture, that help, that comfort. Your power is in your response, responding with love, with joy, with caring, with action that helps.  This week I encourage you to consider something in your life that you cannot control or change and if you are unsure how to respond, speak to God. As always, in prayer you will find your greatest guidance.