January 19, 2022
“Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent. But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” – Matthew 10:29-31
I recently bought a 2001 Ford Explorer. Being over 20 years old, I knew it would need some work along the way. So, it didn’t surprise me when the back glass became a little loose. But what did surprise me is that, when I went to tighten it, the hinge broke and sent the glass flying. I just barely caught it before it hit the ground, which would have shattered it into a million pieces. My plan for simply tightening a bolt turned into an hours-long project. I spent most of that time angry; angry I couldn’t get to the other projects I had planned, angry I had to miss the monthly lunch meeting with my fellow pastors, and angry about the $100 I had to spend on new hinges. But that night as a laid down in my bed, I realized something: That glass fell off in my driveway, right in front of my garage, just feet from all my tools and not out in the middle of the road somewhere. I also realized that this project would have been impossible to do with one set of hands and my wife just happened to be home that day to help. Finally, I realized that the hinges I needed are not something the parts store usually stocks, so I was very fortunate that I could pick them up that same day. Because I was so angry I had to fix the car, I was blinded to the fact that God had set up the perfect circumstances for me to get it fixed.
The truth is, we live in a broken world and a broken world comes with lots of problems. One day God will take us out of this world, but in the meantime, we must deal with the brokenness. So, instead of being angry or bitter over the fact that things can be difficult, look for all the amazing ways that God is working in the middle of it. Don’t be blinded by the difficulties, but instead be attentive to God’s intimate work in every detail of your life.
Almighty and Loving God, give us eyes to see Your work. Take off the blinders of bitterness, anger, and depression that so easily keep us from seeing You provide. Let us find strength and peace in Your intimate care for us in the midst of every difficulty.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Shane Cannon