If you are like me, you have a list of things you’d like to accomplish this summer. I have my own “to do”’ list of things I want to accomplish such as painting my fence, replacing sidewalk tiles and repair the cement walkway in front of my house. I should also replace windows and the carpet on the stairs. Dare I go on?
If it wasn’t the rain it was dealing with a kidney stone. Or there was too much wind so I couldn’t go and spray paint my fence. One thing or another has gotten in the way of these home projects. I think we’ve all experienced this to a certain degree with a sense of panic that the good months for getting these summer projects done is slowing slipping through your fingers.
I am also sensing a bit of resignation that says that there is a good chance I won’t get most of my list done this summer. I attribute this to the fact that whether it was health or weather issues, I felt helpless, because there was nothing I could really do to change things, to make it possible to get things done. And so I feel a little helpless at the moment.
Now granted, this list of mine is made up of a variety of things that are to be honest, on the superficial side. But there are times when our feelings of helplessness goes a lot deeper and have greater significance. There are sometimes things we feel helpless to do anything about. Are you at the moment feeling helpless to do anything about your circumstance? We all feel helpless at times to change things in our lives, but there is hope. The hope is that no matter how helpless we feel, no matter how our circumstances or our mood may move off course, God doesn’t. Our minds may change, but God never does. God is always faithful. Sometimes we accuse God of not doing what we think He should do in our circumstance. But faith is having the conviction that God knows more about our lives than we do and He will get us through as long as we trust Him to do so. That I think is what we need to hear, that no matter how helpless we feel, God remains in control. We need to hear that things are not over in our lives until He says they are and that the helplessness we feel right now is not a reason to throw in the towel.
Maybe in your life your helplessness is making you feel disappointed, let down. But hope returns in knowing that as we place our faith and trust in God, Don’t give up or jump out. Don’t let the forces in life throw you out of your seat. But hold on and be patient as God reminds you that He is in control.
This summer, you may feel helpless in getting your list done, but you don’t have to feel that way about your life.
This column is submitted by Tri-Community Baptist Church in Beiseker.
