I've been through so many difficult things these past twelve months. I've not asked for any of it - the life changes have been thrust upon me, with full force and without anyone asking in advance how I would feel about having to deal with them. I couldn't plan for any of it. There was no time in advance to think through the possibilities and choices. There have been financial and personal implications, including the loss of time with my children - which pains me the most.
And yet, through it all, I have come to realize that I still have a choice about one thing - my response. I alone fully control how I will feel and perhaps more importantly, how I will respond. I can put things in perspective. I can make the best of my circumstances. My response can be a visible example and testimony of my faith. Paul's challenge to the Corinthians (and to us!) to be joyful in ALL circumstances wasn't based upon his sunny optimism or his positive mental attitude - it was based solely upon his knowledge and confidence that God was and is in control.
In every possible negative circumstance there lies countless positive possibilities and outcomes - it's just that we are so often blinded by the fear, outrage, and discouragement of our situation and we simply can't envision a future which may just be far better than our present existence. We all too often sell God short, not believing that He is capable of knowing what we need and when we need it. God made us in His image, He believes in us, and He knows what is best for us. If we truly believe that He is in control, then we can cast fear aside and move forward on faith remaining open to the possibilities of an even more amazing future. Let go and let God. If there was ever a time to trust, to truly BELIEVE, to walk the talk, and to display that deep water faith, it's now.
"When we are no longer able to change a situation - we are challenged to change ourselves" - Viktor Frankel
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