When It's Out of Your Control!

Although I am really into fitness and health, I am very much aware of the fact that there are some things that take place within our bodies that we just cannot control—no matter how healthy and fit we are. Such is the case for me. In spite of the fact that my heart is strong, my blood work good, my weight under control, and my lean muscle mass at a healthy level (no I’m not jacked!), I have currently been dealing with terrible arthritis in my spine—something I ultimately cannot control. With the nerves constantly being pressed upon, I’ve had pain shooting down my legs that at times has been debilitating, to say the least. Because of it, I am headed for spinal surgery this coming week.  

To be honest, I find it quite disappointing and frustrating. After all, I watch my diet, do strength training four times per week, and get in a couple of cardio sessions per week.  I’ve done all I can to take care of my body so that I can do the things I love to do and live the life I know I’m supposed to live. Yet I’m being reminded in a very tangible way, there are some things I just cannot control; things that go beyond what I do and don’t do. 

That’s the reality of life…and the frustrating thing about life. Too often we find ourselves faced with situations that are out of our control. So we must ask, how do we respond to our own lack of control? Do we not do anything ? Do we say, “Whatever will be will be?”   Do we give up, believing it’s not worth the effort? In my case, was all my eating right and exercising in vain?  Should I, should you, just throw in the towel, and allow life to just take its course?   

The Apostle James answers the question well. He wrote, as an example, of a person making plans to travel or plans to carry on business. It’s a normal part of life. It’s what we do. But then he says, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” (James 4:14-15 – NIV – emphasis mine) 

You see, James doesn’t tell us not to make plans and thus just wait for life to happen. He makes room for us to make our plans, put forth effort, do our part. But once we have done so, we step back and say, “Ultimately Lord, my life is in your hands. You are the One and the Only One who is in control. So I ask You to lead me and guide me. I ask you to take care of me as my Shepherd, Provider, Healer, and Savior.” 

You see the answer to life when it feels like it’s out of control, is not to give up or give in, but to put your trust in God. He’s the One who knows the beginning from the end. He’s the One whose plans and purposes never fail. He’s the One who is always in control. 

“But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” (Psalm 33:11)  

Trust him when it’s out of your control.  Have a great day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris