No Matter What Happens
Scripture: 1 Peter 5
I have written this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I consider a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that the grace of God is with you no matter what happens. (1 Peter 5:12 NLT)
No matter what happens! We expect life to more or less follow the pattern we establish: our relationships, responsibilities, activities, and routine. Most of the time that’s how it works. We’ve got to try and build some pattern and order to have any structure and predictability in our lives at all!
The thing is, we really don’t know what is going to happen. One phone call in the middle of the night can change your life forever. Only God knows the future.
I’ve been thinking about this stuff for a long time! I remember a conversation with a dear friend and ministry partner in Jamaica forty years ago about why things happen and whether God always makes them happen. He was convinced that God specifically causes and directs everything that happens in a Christian believer’s life. My view was that God causes and directs some things and our choices cause some things and the actions of others cause some things and some things just happen! I’m not sure if his view on this is still the same. I know that my view on it hasn’t changed significantly after living another forty years. But one thing both he and I remain fully convinced of is that the grace of God is with us no matter what happens!
You and I don’t need to live in fear and paranoia about things going wrong. We should live strategically and responsibly and make plans and work for the fulfillment of those plans…But we must also remember that we don’t control the future and that things can change in a moment of time.
He will have no fear bad news; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. (Psalm 112:7 NLT)
Be encouraged. Whatever happens, the grace of God is with you!
Prayer:
Father, Please help me learn and live in the balance between doing all I can as a believer who has family responsibilities and ministry dreams and plans and who also acknowledges that only you know the next moment. Whatever happens, I purpose to draw on your ever-present grace. I trust in your goodness and love. Amen.