Lenten Devotional March 6, 2021

2020 has shown us more than ever before how little control we have over the course of both world events, and our own lives. It can be both unsettling and frightening to realize this inability, shared by all, to prepare ourselves for the unexpected (like a pandemic). It is in these times, when we can neither make sense of the present, nor predict the future, that we must rely on God for our safety and survival. People always say that God works in mysterious ways, but this past year has exemplified this expression perfectly.

There was very little anyone could do to change the events experienced in our world, leaving us with no alternative but to trust in God to bring us out of these challenges. Our lacking insight into the future can bring us closer to God if we let it. In such uncertain situations as we have faced in the past year, we must abandon our own concerns and look to the Lord for guidance. Yet, challenging times can also push many of us away from God as well. The seemingly excruciating length of 2020 pushed many of us Christians to a point of questioning God this year. Why would he allow such horrible things to happen, and persist for so long? How can we be expected to live in a world where people are scared of each other, and fighting almost every day? Though we may be unable to find the answers to these kinds of questions, the continuance of our daily lives should be evidence enough of God's compassion to his children. Regardless of how dangerous the world may appear to us, faith in the Lord will guide us to safety and salvation. 

Dear Lord, please help us to give all instincts over to you in times of severe struggle and uncertainty. You are infinitely wiser than we could ever be, and we must rely on you to straighten our paths. Through faith in you we can persevere and thrive as your children walking in the ways you clear for us. Amen.

Photo by Liane Metzler on Unsplash