by Kala Loptien

When He Takes Over

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

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
2 Cor. 12:9

I had a moment last week that shook me. Have you experienced one or two of those in your life? As I made my way through downtown Springs, a driver ran a red light. The impact deployed airbags and sent me skidding on two wheels before my car finally landed upright in the opposite lane. When I caught my breath, I opened my door and immediately fell to my knees. My poor mother was on bluetooth with me at the time of the crash. She too went to her knees.

There are so many circumstances that we cannot control. We feel like we need to prove we can handle everything. We want everyone to think we have it all together. The world likes to spread messages about self-sufficiency, resiliency, believing in yourself and taking care of #1. What happens when we’re blindsided by a traumatic event or a diagnosis? Or when we lose a loved one too soon? What about when we make a huge mistake, hurt someone else, sink into depression? Where do we turn to cope? These lies from the world put a lot of pressure on people to pretend that everything is fine. But it isn’t. It won’t be. Unless we come to the end of ourselves and let God take over, we are not fine. To put it bluntly, we are weak. But… HE is strong.

Our strength comes from the Lord and only from the Lord. On our own, we will fall short and feel empty. The reality is: We will endure trials. We will face adversity. We will stumble and fall. But God is with us always. Our hope is not found in ourselves, other people, success or self-help programs. We are reminded this Advent season that God sent His son to live among us. We never walk alone. I know I was not alone in my car that day. You are not alone in your circumstance.

Lord, you are our one true hope. Your love never fails. We give you control.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado