As we begin to reflect on those special moments in life such as completing a college degree, planning a wedding, preparing for the birth of a child, we focus on every little detail of what needs to be planned out. In doing this planning we might make a list, think of the “what ifs”, contact loved ones, and share the joy of it all with others. All the preparation that we put into the long process of planning is often for a short-lived moment.
Thinking about planning for those special moments of life brings me to the moments that sneak up on us that we don’t expect. Possibly it is a loss of a job, a funeral we need to plan, or an illness that has changed the course of our family’s life. The things we couldn’t have planned for or even imagined are still things we have to deal with. Do we begin to plan on our own in those moments around how to deal with the situation? Do we create that list? When the problems arise how do we react? Is there panic and chaos in these moments or do you hand the planning over to the One who celebrated in the joyful moments of life with you?
It’s easy to question God when we are thrown life’s difficulties instead of laying them at his feel and giving him the planning tasks. The comfort in truly allowing Him to lead the planning is like none other. There have been times in my life that I physically could feel a weight lifted from my being when I fully surrendered those situations to God. During the unexpected trials in our lives, when we let God do the planning and direct the course, we are able to celebrate his control instead of worry about our own lack of control. Out of these experiences often flow feelings of gratitude and blessing from how we grew closer to Him in the end. It is these moments that will let us persevere through life. It is these memories that make the joyful events in life event sweeter because we know that God holds us in our joy and in our pain. Whether you are in the planning stage of a joyful event in life or you are in the planning stage of a more difficult one, remember He is the great planner, not you.
- God knows the moment I am currently living in.
“For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.” Psalm 27:5 - God provides the strength I need for the moments I am in.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” Psalm 46:1-3 - Call on him in all the moments of your life.
“In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.” Psalm 18:6 - God has worked in the past moments of my life and will do it again.
“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.” Psalm 77:11&14
Blessings,
Pastor Hope Terhaar