by Kala Loptien

Everything Belongs to God

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For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities–all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16 ESV

God created everything. Everything belongs to God. That’s a hard truth we let easily slip our minds, isn’t it? Who and how we are; where and what we’ll be; our family; our career; our homes; our “stuff”–our lives belong to God. All of it.

How many times a day do you think we feel entitled or possessive? It makes me think of two toddlers learning how to share. “Mine!” “I want that!” “My turn!” I chuckle a little bit because these expressions and phrases are still very common in our adult world. Sure, the vocabulary gets a slight upgrade; but the sentiment is still there.

Have you ever been bummed out or even embittered by something you thought should or would be yours? A job. A trophy or championship. A scholarship. A promotion. Recognition. We recently experienced our second “interrupted adoption.” What a humbling and stretching process. I can’t say that I know where God is specifically leading in all of this; but I know for sure He’s in it. I know it’s the same for you.

It’s a challenge to always hold things loosely and recognize that everything in heaven and on earth belongs to God. It’s even harder to let go of plans, desires, blessings or things you thought were meant for you. The beauty of it all is really who we become in the process and how we persevere to the glory of His name. It’s all from Him, for Him and about Him. God has ordained specific things for each of us in His time. When HE reminds us of that perspective, the losses and letdowns don’t deliver as much sting. What’s even more praiseworthy is the fact that God has taken and erased those things we wish were not ours. Jesus took our sins upon his shoulders to the cross; and His victory became ours. Praise God! Our salvation is sealed. We can truly say, in full confidence, “that’s mine!”

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado