When Life Is Out Of Control

Posted by Pastor Pat on October 31, 2009

“ He caused the storm to be still, So that the waves of the sea were hushed.”

(Psalm 107:29)

Have you ever felt as if you have no control over your life?  It is the kind of feeling you get that wakes you up in the middle of the night and refuses to let you sleep.  The emotion you experience is probably the same as one whose parachute is not opening even though every possible chord is pulled.  Regardless as to what you might think and what others might tell you, the ‘feeling’ you have is less than ideal and your emotional stability is shot.  When we find ourselves sucked into the vortex of the storm, what are we to do?

Why is God allowing us to experience a life out of control?  I believe there are at least four reasons why such times visit our lives.

• First, trials come to assure us that we are not in control (James 4:13, 14).

Because of depravity, we have this incredible capacity for unbridled arrogance.  For whatever reason, we actually believe the humanistic reports concerning our development and future.  Whenever we think we have “our act together,” God has a way of showing us just how fragile the best-laid plans are.

• Second, trials come to show us what is important (Acts 27:19).

• Third, trials come to magnify the sustaining grace of God (2 Cor. 12:9).

In the midst of our most difficult and sustained trial, God is ministering to us.  Your perseverance in the storm is a testimony to God’s relentless grace.

• Finally, trials come to declare the supremacy of God in all things (Job 40:6).

No event happens that He has not ordered.  Regardless as to how ‘nasty’ the event might be, God has so ordered providence so that you find yourself in the midst of His will.  This is what lends meaning to the most horrific act and smallest detail.  All things are rushing toward the ultimate goal of God being glorified (Philippians 2:10, 11; Romans 11:36).

In the midst of our sorrow, this can be a difficult pill to swallow. What is the alternative?  You and I are not victims of fate or evil men.  We are part of His loving and wise purpose.  We are objects loved.  Friend, we are not in control, God is.

My heart grieves for those whose situations and circumstances are less than ideal.  To see one drowning in the sea of emotional upheaval is heart wrenching.  You reach out and grab them with all your might, you make every effort to pray and to love, but in the midst of the storm, let us not abandon the boat of our theology.  Let us “Look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.”  Friend, do not let go.  Hold fast to sound words for grace and peace.  You are loved.  May grace continue to reign!

By Pastor Patrick J. Griffiths.  For more information see the Waukesha Bible Church series on Galatians.