If you see a small creature scampering in the woods or along a path during winter, you can bet the little guy has weighed the pros and cons of being seen. In my own corner of the Colorado pines, I don’t often see chipmunks this time of year. Painted black stripe across his back, the chipmunk leans towards sleeping more to conserve energy so his tiny self outlasts winter. In his underground home, his heartbeat can go from 350 beats a minute to a barely-there fifteen beats. On a warmer day he might risk being seen by an owl or a fox (or you and me) to check his storehouses of seeds and nuts. But all in all, he will err on the side of resting rather than rummaging.
The cottontail rabbit, on the other hand, leans toward activity. From my office window or the nearby trail, I’m more likely to see her darting about. She regularly monitors and practices the three or four escape routes between her food source — twigs and branches good for chewing — and her hollowed-out space for resting. Long ears bent flat across her back, she’ll likely wait for dusk to zig-zag sprint across the snow toward her food before dashing home again.
Both the chipmunk and cottontail are mighty apt at risk management, and what seems like the best course of action one day may not be so the next.
I don’t often think of myself as having much in common with critters, but I’ve too discovered that in risk management, what works one day may not work the next. This is never truer than when a circumstance or life occurrence you never saw coming runs right into you.
You shake your head and think, I never, ever could’ve predicted this in a hundred million years.
I remember a few years ago when this very thing happened to my family. As we prepared for our future to take a turn in one direction, a change we didn’t see coming threw us in the other. Now, let me tell you something about me: I’m an expert at coming up with worst-case scenarios and making plans to divert them. In this particular case, I thought I had foreseen every possible problem. I took measures to ensure the best possible outcome. I’m not talking about anything outlandish or expensive. Rather, I used good ol’ hard work and productivity to take care of things responsibly.
And then came the turn of events only God saw coming, and all my forethought and “responsible planning” didn’t amount to a hill of beans. None of us asked for or wanted this outcome, but it was what we had.
It’s easier for me to daily assess the risk of doing something than to lean under that umbrella of trust where our Dad in heaven invites me. Because yes, while planning ahead is wise, we can’t put all our stock and security in those plans and in those plans working out the way we predicted.
But sometimes I act like I can. I act like my efforts are the only component that generates desirable outcomes. I’m swept up in all my doing, and I get too far away from God’s voice reminding me, Working hard is a good thing, daughter, but remember I’m the only One in control. You’re not.
When we are discouraged by the apparently slow progress of all our honest efforts, by the failure of this or the other person, and by the ever new reappearance of enemy powers and their apparent victories, then we should know: the time shall be fulfilled. Because of the noise and activity of the struggle and the work, we often do not hear the hidden, gentle sound and movement of the life that is coming into being. But here and there, at hours that are blessed, God lets us feel how He is everywhere at work and how His cause is growing and moving forward.
Eberhard Arnold
The smaller that big life event became in the rear view mirror, the more our family came around to seeing it with perspective. In the end, that whiplash turn brought so much good, and I took a big step in placing my confidence in God’s plans rather than my own.
Today, you and I stand mere steps within the door of 2019. I have no idea what God will allow through the front door of our lives this year. However, I do know Jesus is the door. Nothing comes through it without His permission. Nothing makes it through that isn’t, in the end, heavily slanted toward our success. I don’t say that flippantly or with abandon. I say that because hope always, always gets the last word.
In the meantime, I can set myself up to better hear that hidden, gentle sound that is God’s voice and power moving His good plans forward. I can look at the past with gratitude and the future with hope because He is trustworthy.
Dear one, you and I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Believing this is no risk. It’s a promised guaranteed.
Hope always, always gets the last word. - @Kristen_Strong: Click To Tweet
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Stopped in my tracks, Kristen, by your thoughts on Jesus as the door. I’ve taught John 10:9 to kids and even thought about it in relation to the door in Noah’s ark, but never once have I envisioned the swing of His permission for all the enters a year. This is such a vivid picture of God’s sovereignty alongside His goodness and love.
That’s what I can’t get over about it, Michele–“the picture of God’s sovereignty alongside His goodness and love.” There’s a tension there, I know, but as it says in Psalm 56, “This I know, that God is for me.”
Kristen,
Good morning kindred spirit. I too have tried to think of all the possible outcomes, and make all the preparations, and button things down so that I don’t have any surprises. This is called trying to “have control”. I’ve also learned that the desire to have control is born out of fear or a lack of trust. If I can take care of things just so, then I will eliminate the outcomes that I am afraid of. Slowly, God has been peeling my white knuckles off the illusion of control and not that I don’t ever plan ahead, but I allow for God to have His say in “My” plans. Like you said, Jesus is the door. He will not open a door unless He will give us the grace that is sufficient to handle whatever comes with trusting and walking through. Better to walk through the doors that Jesus opens, than the doors that we push open ourselves because we think that we know best. My life has been a perpetual exercise in learning to trust, letting go of control, and leaning into God no matter what. Excellent post.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Oh, mine has too, Bev, mine has too.
Your perspective here is golden. Thank you for encouraging me so!
I am in a struggling marriage and just started counseling last night – please pray that HOPE will have the last word in this. I do so appreciate the prayers of this community.
Oh, dear Susan. I hear your heart and I pray now, in Jesus’ keeping name, for His healing power to assure you that He loves you, He knows you are hurting and He will infuse the breaks in your marriage with His mending grace. May you find the courage and hope to walk with Him into restoration. If you husband is hurting, may He speak to those hurts and show both of you the way back into each other’s hearts. The Lord is The Healer. Blessings on you as you lean on Him — through your counseling, but also all through life. May He bless you on this journey back to wholeness. Hear our prayer, O Lord! Much love to you today, Susan. In friendship, Patricia
Susan, I hope it’s OK to also share two resources that might help, both from the Billy Graham ministry. If you’re not interested, just skip over this. But if you think they would help, the two articles are:
1) How to Appreciate an Imperfect Spouse. See https://billygraham.org/story/how-to-appreciate-an-imperfect-spouse/
2) What Can I Do About the Harsh and Hurtful Things My Husband Says to Me? See https://billygraham.org/answer/what-can-i-do-about-the-harsh-and-hurtful-things-my-husband-says-to-me/
Susan, I hope it was OK to share this — and blessings today! With peace and hope, Patricia
Yes, certainly. Always ok to share good resources. Thanks so much.
Thank you so much. Tears are flowing.
Oh, I understand! Be encouraged, my friend. Healing is on the way!
Susan, I’m so sorry for all you’re going through. I’m praying right now and setting my phone alarm to keep praying for you throughout the day. Praying all parties involved have willing eyes to see, ears to listen, and tender hearts bent toward one another. God sees your pain and is ever for you (Psalm 56:9). Sending you so much love right now, dear one. xo
Thanks so much.
Kristen,
Your post reminds me of the song “God is in Control”. The chorus talks about His children believing we won’t be forsaken, we choose to remember & never be shaken. There is no power above or beside Him we know. It states that we have faith in almighty God. We may not like the situation, but He is in control. He is asking us to put our faith completely in Him. Isaiah 55:8-9 states: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” He sees the entire picture while we only see what’s in front of us. He knows the future. God doesn’t frown on us making plans. He wants us to trust Him with our plans. We can’t control everything in our lives. For many that may drive us crazy. In the end He will swing doors open or shut according to His righteous plans for our lives.
Blessings 🙂
Thank you for this, Beth. I especially love your reminder of those verses from Isaiah–they always shift me toward a better perspective. xo
Truly an important reminder for me, who has always tried to arrange things, make them happen and direct the possible outcome. Still learning to stay under that umbrella of trust with God’s plan, never knowing when exactly the rain will let up, or the sun shine. But I have learned that His mercies are new every morning, and that He makes my path clear when I follow. Thank you for sharing what’s true, it has its marvelous way of changing an old mindset, so that we may emerge into a closer walk with Jesus.
Thank you for sharing here, Lynn. I love the way you say, “He makes my path clear when I follow.” We may only see a step or two in front of us, but really, that is enough for today.
Dear Kristen,
Thank you, my Colorado friend! Oh, I loved your message this morning! Thank you for sharing such encouragement — especially that Jesus is the door and, in Him, “hope always, always gets the last word.” Amen! And warmest thanks to you! With His love, Patricia (P.S. Since we’re both in Colorado, let’s please connect. In person! Whenever you can. Meantime, thank you for inspiring today. You totally blessed!)
Yes, Patricia, yes! I would love that so much. I’m in COS–remind me where you are again? And thanks so much for the kind words here. I’m thrilled to be able to give back from the well of encouragement you’ve given me, Patricia!
Wonderful! We’re in Aurora. I meet my COS friends halfway — in Castle Rock. At Panera or something like that. Hope we can make it happen — whenever you’d like. Just let me know. Or, I’ll do the same. Meantime, thanks again for your wonderful post!
Hi everyone. We are gods children nows all about us so let us be thankful and greatful for the little things he has given us He is the mighty one. He is our rock and our salvation.The Lord give us only what we can handle. So when we are hurting turn to him and his word to give us strength and courage to go on. Taking small steps and live for today and not worry about so much.
Thank you so much for sharing here, Nadine. xo
Kristen,
I enjoyed this so much. thank-you for sharing your delightful story with the connection of those two little creatures. Yesterday started off in a beautiful way, sun shining, surprise visitors, and continued in a good way. Later on my husband and I decided to go and do some errands. As we drove down the street a car came barreling out of a complex directly toward us. Later my husband said that the sound I muffled alerted him since the sun was directly in his eyes. I am so grateful being the outcome could of been so different. I believe that it was another reminder that, no I am not in control, but that yes I can always trust that God is.
Have a blessed day all,
Penny
PS
And much to my delight there was a little brown rabbit across the street when we got home….
Have a good day,
Penny
This made me smile, Penny.
I’m so glad you and your husband were okay! Close calls can be so scary.
You have a blessed day too, Penny!
Our plans may fail, but this does not mean we have failed or that we are failures.
So true!
Kristen, this is much needed encouragement for today. I’m so often the rabbit. I finagle and plan and snowplow in order to get good benefits for my adult children and it works less and less with time. Trust is a big deal for me; I know God is calling me to place these beloved, maddening children under his umbrella and, in a sense, walk away. It’s the hardest thing I’ll ever be called to do, and I’m desperate for the sun to rise. Thank you for helping me know I’m not alone, and that I can rest in Him.
You’re not alone, Kerry, not at all.
Sending love, dear one.
We like to think we have control and know it better than God but as you confirm here, we don’t. No matter how much we think we know what is best and can plan all we want, in the end, God’s plans are always better. Yes I am a control freak most times and think that I should have control over everything, my hubby, my kids, my job and my life and when it is less than where I think I should be, I get discouraged and wonder where did I go wrong, where had I failed. Thank you Lord for loving on all of us even when we think we know better than You or think our plan is the right path to freedom. This year, open my heart to fully trust in Your way for me and know that no matter what comes my way, You will never leave me. You will always be right beside each and every step of the way as You had always been from the beginning. Thank you for sharing this Kristen.
Thank you so much for sharing this prayer, Maylee. It sent a fresh breeze of hope into my heart.
Some of the very best things that have happened to us, were the least expected. And the hard things that have hit out of nowhere, have always been used for good somehow. Good reminder. Blessings to you.
Your comment is a good reminder, too. Thanks, Kate!
Kristen, Thank you for your words that hope always, always has the last word! I needed to hear that and that God is in control……having some family trauma that is trying to waylay me right now……it is making me very sad and depressed……..need to look to Jesus “the door” for a way through this and hope for things to get better! I know Jesus is faithful and all His plans will prevail……..please pray for a good outcome! Thank you so much……God bless you for your words! Lauren
Praying for that right now, Laura. May God’s presence fill you to overflowing as you maneuver these waters. Sending love!
I am reminded, after reading everyine’sy thoughts and experiences, that there is a constant battle going on between Satan’s minions and the spirit world of God’s warriors. We truly have no clue how many times per day that as we go about our day, a tragedy has been avoided and stopped by our God. All due to His vigilance and all He asks of us is our obedience and allegiance. What a mighty God we serve!! Keep trusting and serving dear sisters. As the old hymn says, “it will be worth it all when we see Jesus.”
Amen, Loretta. Thank you.
After 6 years of horrendous events, I just totally gave up. No matter what we planned, disaster was right along with it. Devestating deaths in our family and personal health issues that are permanent have steared our life in directions I never would have dreamed. So several weeks ago I gave up. No more plans, no hope that things will improve. I’ve always known that our plans are subject to God’s editing, but I’ve started wondering what I’ve done to cause all the chaos. I rarely leave the house anymore, I stay in bed for days at a time. This is not chronic depression. I’ve been taking antidepressants for years. I have simply given up. I read and study and try to understand what went wrong. I rarely think past the next 24 hours. I can’t find an answer that I understand. There is no joy in my life. I really miss planning and looking forward to something.
Oh Shannon, I’m just so, so sorry. Really and truly. I’m sorry for all the horrendous events and the devastation and sorrows left in its long wake. I don’t know what else to say, but I want you to know you aren’t alone. I’m here and this community is here. I’m praying for you today–setting the timer on my phone to do so throughout this weekend. I pray the Lord fills you with a fresh awareness of His presence, and that when you next look out a window, you see even the faintest glimmer of hope looking back in. You are SO beloved, Shannon. So beloved.