trbccoffeebreak

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)

I am a control freak (a previous admission that warrants restatement here). I like planning, order, and lots of lists. I see the big puzzle picture, then dig down into the pieces to figure out the best way to get it all done as quickly and efficiently—and perfectly—as possible.

Enter COVID-19.

Now, it’s as if someone spilled gasoline on the cover of that puzzle box, and the image is simply gone. The future—mine, my family’s, yours, everyone’s—is uncertain. For many of us, planning beyond the day is fruitless. So, today is the day to “control. We must choose a single puzzle piece, study its colors, appreciate its nuances, and make the most of it.

But isn’t that what Jesus told us to do in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:31-34)? We are to not worry about tomorrow but focus on today. Easier said than done.

So, what can we control freaks do when our eyes open each morning to yet another day of “Coronacrisis”? Firstly, let’s thank our Heavenly Father that we opened our eyes! Consider all the aspects of life for which we are thankful. (Do you have toilet paper? Start there!) Praise Him that we have another day to live and glorify Him.

And that actually leads to the second thing we can control: Whatever actions we take through the day, do each one for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). There’s nothing to keep us homed in on the present like asking ourselves if what we’re doing—at that moment—is for our good and His glory.

Finally, trust the Lord. Turn off the hysteria-promoting talking heads and listen to praise and worship music…play a Bible-teaching podcast…read the Word…simply be quiet and pay attention to what the Holy Spirit is revealing to you.

I thank our God that He sovereign—all-knowing, all-powerful, all-present. He is in control of this crisis. And He is in control of my tomorrows…so I don’t have to be.

“Today, Lord, thank You that You are sovereign. I thank You for Your goodness, and I trust You.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry