EVEN IF
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, ‘My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.’” Matthew 26:42, ESV
Theme: We know God is in control and that He is good. Will you choose to relinquish control like Jesus did, even if there is a cost?
THE PROBLEMS ARE REAL
Last spring, I attended a conference for mothers of children who suffer from mental illness hosted by Kay Warren of Saddleback Church at the retreat center in San Juan Capistrano. Many faithful Christians have unthinkable challenges. Children with multiple diagnoses that live on the streets are common. Kids with a record. Kids with physical scars. Grown children that are in danger, wandering, so very loved and prayed for – and yet not healed. Kay Warren, herself, had a son with mental illness which ultimately took his life. Kay's son never was healed during his lifetime, and yet his parents still choose to believe that God is in control, and He is good. We, as parents, may never see breakthrough for our children in this life. Even Jesus struggled with His role of suffering. Based on today’s scripture, we can conclude that He feared the cross, and yet He went anyway. The worst that can happen may be gut wrenching, terrible, painful and unthinkable. Letting go of control has a cost. It isn’t always the absolute worst that happens. But even if the worst does come...
GOD IS IN CONTROL AND HE IS GOOD
Often what we see from our perspective appears chaotic. Often, we see beautiful things end, good people die, and amoral people flourishing. It looks like God has lost control, or if He has control, He isn’t very good. This is a lie. God is good. God is loving. We will have trouble. The author of Psalm 109 needed to be delivered from some trouble. “But you, Sovereign Lord, help me for your name’s sake; out of the goodness of your love, deliver me” (Psalm 109:21, NIVUK). God is faithful. “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9, NIVUK). And God is in control. “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand” (Job 38:4, NIVUK). Job saw every terrible outcome and remained faithful. God laid the very foundation of the earth we live on. We can’t even make the sun rise. God was in control then; He still is now. Even if...
Make It Personal: Even if __________. Fill in the blank. What is that thing you just haven’t released? Outcomes and results are up to God. May I truly believe and relinquish my strong grasp today.
Pray: Father God, today I proclaim this truth: You are in control, and You are good. I know You love me. No matter what I see from where I stand today, help me to believe the Truth. Even if the things I am praying for never happen. Even if I never see a breakthrough. Even if I’m disappointed today, help me to cling to hope. Your love never ends, Your faithfulness is unlimited. Thank You for Jesus. Help me as I remember that what You have provided is enough.
Read: Job 38:3-5; Psalm 89:8; Job 13:15
Weekly Memory Verse: “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.” Proverbs 21:31, ESV