God is in control

Couple of weeks ago my friend received a worrying message that her aged mother had a stroke. She made her way to see her in the hospital as soon as possible. She found out that the stroke has affected one side of the body. It has affected her arm and leg movement and her speech. A week after the incident her speech was improving and my friend was able to ask her mum how did it happen. She described her experience in more details saying that all of a sudden felt unwell and lost ability to control her body as if it was not hers any longer. It was as if one side of her body was light and empty that one side of her body spilt down to the sofa. Miraculously, she was able to call for a help from her mobile phone and hugging the wall walked to the door enabling someone to get inside the house before her body spilt back down to the sofa for a second time. She is currently in a process of slow physical healing with a grateful heart for all God’s protection.

I think many of us could easily recall our own life-stories when we feel we have lost control, when we are falling, unable to do things we normally do. Usually these moments leave us worrying, anxious, upset and uncertain. Being in control of our body is only one aspect of our life. There are many situations in which events are beyond our control. When unexpected result is different from our expectations and desires; when other people’s inappropriate actions affected our feeling and had negative impact on our life. In a time like this, it is often hard to keep positive and focus on constructive solutions to our challenges. Our anxiety and worries can take over our reasoning, and uncertainties lead us to doubts and diminish our ability to trust in positive life improvements.

Believing God often become the hardest thing to do because it requires an attitude of surrendering and abandonment. Blaming God of not being there for us has become an easier option. Perhaps if we are to hold on tighter to keep in mind that God’s love includes His understanding of our humanity, then we can rest easier to understand that trusting in God does not mean being passive or less empathetic. It means to give God a chance to work on our shortcomings, believing that no matter what, where, and when, He is in control of our lives. That our falling is only temporary until He catches us and carry us to safety. I like the words from prophet Jeremiah (29:11), saying: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. The perfect example of trusting God unconditionally gives us also Old Testament’s hero- Job, who after a series of unexpected disasters in his life and being tempted beyond human endurance, does not lose His faith and replies to people who try to convince him that God does not care about Him anymore: In His hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind. (Job 12:10)

God is in control 24/7, 365 days a year, always. His loving kindness protect us even in the midst of life situations. When we feel that we do not have control over anything, be patient, live one precious moment at a time as God is giving us, and discover His love. Because not every falling is falling down.

Have a great week.

Sr Grace