“He’s Control”

…or rather, “He is in control.”

My wife and I have been on a journey to adopt children for a while and are trusting that God will lead us to the exact ones He has providentially prepared for us (and us for them!). I’ll admit, the waiting, praying, hopeful phone calls and meetings, dashed hopes, etc. is tough. We both have grown personally and as a couple during this process – and for that we’re grateful…but that doesn’t make the journey any easier. We trust in God’s plan and look with expectation to what He has prepared.

At times, it’s hard to remember, as we search, inquire, pray, trust…, that He is actually in control.

…that He has always been in control.

One of my favorite passages that clearly demonstrates this is in John 19. Jesus has been arrested and, in the eyes of His accusers, close to defeat. As he stands before Pilate we read:

⁹… [Pilate] went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. ¹⁰“Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”

¹¹Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.”

Pilate and Jesus’ accusers THOUGHT they had control, but they didn’t.

We think we have control – we don’t. [ok, there’s the whole free choice and will thing, but I believe God has ultimately numbered our steps.]

I’m thankful that God isn’t the cosmic kill-joy or merciless judge that many seem to paint Him to be – mainly because things don’t work as we plan or feel are right or just.  No, He is a loving Father who desires relationship with us and delights to give, care for, and love in abundance, to the glory of His name.

It’s easy to say and think that, much more challenging to trust and live it by faith.

I’m grateful that the only way I can even attempt to live it out is through His strength and the empowering of the Holy Spirit.

Oh, on the grammatically incorrect “He’s Control” title…  It’s a one liner I wrote on my wife’s Facebook page a while back.  In my speedy typing on my iPhone, my intended thought got truncated.  The phrase stuck and it’s now it’s something we use regularly to remind each other about Who is truly in control.