Devotion Booklets for Seasons of the Church Year Lent 2018 | Page 11

Out of Your Control, Not His
Wednesday, February 21st
Psalm 94:18-19
When you’re driving a car down the interstate at 70 mph, the last thing you want is to lose control.
That’s what happened to a woman in Missouri. She was on her way home when the accelerator on her
SUV became stuck. For the next 35 minutes, no matter what she tried, she could not stop. She swerved
in and out of cars at 115 mph, with no control whatsoever. She called 911. They told her to shift the
vehicle into neutral. It didn’t work. Eventually, the 911 operator suggested that she try pulling up on the
accelerator and pushing down on the brake at the same time. It didn’t work the first or second time, but
it finally worked on the third. She came to a stop on the side of the road, stumbled out of the driver
seat, and hugged the police officer. “It was the worst moment of my life,” she said. It isn’t pleasant
when things feel out of control.
How quickly that can happen in our own lives! Many of us enjoy the same weekly routines. Every day
we wake up, go to school or work, and go about our daily lives feeling in control of things. But in a split
second, the accelerator pedal can get slammed down sending us speeding through life with seemingly
no control.
What happens when you lose control? What happens when you get unexpected bad news, when you’re
staring down a surgery or doctor visit you know isn’t going to be pleasant? What happens when your
responsibilities and expectations from your friends at school and parents at home suddenly seem
overwhelming?
When things seem out of control, we’re not on our own. Our Lord is there for us. The Psalmist writes,
“When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great
within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
The reason why we often feel like our lives are out of control, is because they are. At least they are out
of our control. But we know where our support is found. It’s found in the Lord and his unfailing love
for us.
During our walk through Lent, we’re reminded of God’s control. Even as his friends betrayed him, his
enemies mocked him, and his own people crucified him, Jesus was in full control. And he decided to
use his control over all things - to not come down, to not stop hurting, to not leave his cross – all
because he was in control of our salvation.
There was a meaning behind Jesus pain, just as there is a meaning to yours. God is in control. Unstable
moments are given to us for one reason; to bring us closer to Him. When our feet are slipping, He
wants us to reach out and take hold of the One who loves us and supports us.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, when my life seems unstable and out of control, remind me that you are near and
will guide me in all my ways. Amen.
Activity: With your family, summarize the events of Jesus’ passion (from the garden to the tomb). List
five ways Jesus showed his complete control, even while he suffered.
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