by Richelle Hecker

Trusting God in Every Circumstance.

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

“The lot is cast into the lap,
But its every decision is from the Lord”
Proverbs 16:33 New American Standard Bible

Most of my life has demonstrated the wisdom of Proverbs 16:33. The proverb above discusses how we make our plans, but God is in complete control of all that happens. It seems that any time I feel secure in my life’s direction something happens to derail it. It’s as if God is purposely thwarting my plans simply for His own amusement. So I stop planning altogether, and avoid the frustration.

I know others who are living their lives angry at God for not blessing their plans. They feel punished by Him because things have not turned out the way they believe things should. Still others have given up on believing in God altogether. They say that if there was a God, He would not allow so much pain, ugliness, and difficulty in the world. From their perspective, where and when we are born, and the tragedy and triumphs of life, are all determined by chance.

Many Christians are not comfortable talking about God when it appears that things in life are unfair. Evil prevails, hard fought battles are lost, the innocent are persecuted, and we don’t know why God allows it. We shrink away when people ask us where God is in these situations.

I know that I don’t have all the answers. Today is the twelfth anniversary of my husband’s death.  We made plans for our future together with our four children. His death seemed too soon and unfair. After all, he was a Godly husband, father, and soldier. Surely he deserved God’s protection.

It’s sometimes said that bad things happen because sin entered our world. Although this is true, it is a simplified answer. If we are not careful, it seems to appear that God is not in control and He simply tries after the fact to help us. Proverbs 16:33 reminds us of the truth. God is in complete control of all things and we can trust Him in every circumstance, whether or not we understand.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO