7 Things We Can Control, and How God Walks with Us in Each of Them

1. God Is with Us in What We Devote Our Time and Energy To

Finally, we have control over what we devote our time and energy to in this life. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus says, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

If God is our top priority, we need to choose God and God’s ways over and over. We cannot choose the ways of the flesh, the desires of the self, and truly be reflective of the Lord within us.

It doesn’t mean we cannot enjoy life and have fun. But we must understand that every day, all around us, a battle is occurring. Jesus could return at any time. Luke 21:36 urges, “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

“Stay awake” means to stay ready, to be vigilant, knowing that we must be on guard and fully present in every moment.  The apostle Paul, in Ephesians 5:16-17, tells us to make the most of every opportunity, “Because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

So don’t fret about the things you cannot control. Know that you are under the protection of the Lord, and that all will be well with you. Focus on what you can control — your boundaries, thoughts, actions, goals, how you speak to yourself, how you handle challenges, and what you devote your time and energy to — and rest easily knowing that God is taking care of the rest.  

As Psalm 139:5 reminds us, “You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.”

All is well.

Dear Lord Jesus,

I want to welcome and bless children as You did...

...Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me
and do not hinder them,
for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 19:14

Today I pray for the children in my family, in my community and for children all around the world. The pressures and stresses that have been brought on by social media alone are strong. Please intervene in these children’s lives and hearts so that they may come to know You and Your love. May their identity be grounded in You. May they know that their worth comes from You. I lift up the children that are lonely, or are victims of bullying or are under the immense pressure to “fit in.” Let Your Holy Spirit minister to each one and protect their hearts and minds. Please help me to be an encouragement to the children in my life. Please send men and women of God to teach and disciple each child. I pray for a generation of children that will grow into strong followers of Jesus and who will work towards making the world a place full of God’s grace and love.

Please help each child to grow as Jesus grew...

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature,
and in favor with God and men.
Luke 2:52

In the powerful name of Jesus I pray,

Amen.

7 Things We Can Control, and How God Walks with Us in Each of Them

1. God Is with Us in How We Handle Challenges

We also have control over how we handle challenges. Life isn’t meant to be easy. Jesus told us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

In Jesus, we have peace. He sent us the Holy Spirit, who walks with us and helps us. We don’t face our obstacles alone. Indeed, the Bible tells us we don’t have to worry about overcoming our obstacles. They are already handled, “Because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

So we can be inspired and encouraged to stand strong in the face of adversity. The battle is already won.

1. God Is with Us in How We Handle Challenges

We also have control over how we handle challenges. Life isn’t meant to be easy. Jesus told us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).