by Victoria Heinecke with Penny MItchell

Resistance is futile. Trust God.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.”
Romans 7:19 English Standard Version

Recently, I was using a can opener as I was preparing dinner. As it so happens, I have two can openers in the drawer, and when I used the first one I grabbed, it was sticky and it was difficult to turn the handle. I realized I had grabbed the old can opener, and then finished the task with the newer, more ergonomic opener.

Even the best can openers wear out eventually. We may also find them more difficult to use as our hands become a little stiff or weak.

Sometimes there’s an easier way to open a can. Curve the handle and the knob a little, and my hand doesn’t have to work as hard to do the same job. However, the older one has worked well for many years, and I’m not ready to let it go.

“Fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 English Standard Version

It can be hard to let go of something we’ve held on to for a long time. We’ve grown accustomed to how it works, and the new one doesn’t feel quite right. At times it’s also hard to trust that God has got the world under control when it appears to be spiraling out of control. We’d prefer to live with the old fears, when resting with the Lord can be much more comforting.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 English Standard Version

We don’t have to rely on our own strength to get through an uncertain future. Trust in God, his way is the best.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado