He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.
John 6:6 (ESV)
Lord Jesus, things don’t always go the way I expect them to. I can lay out the best of plans but it is amazing to me that something always happens to throw that proverbial wrench in the spokes leaving me confused, frustrated, and my plans thwarted. Obstacles and challenges seem to always come to test my patience. And if that is not enough, people are added to the equation with their personal agendas and uncontrolled actions and behaviors, the results impacting my plans, leaving me in a place of frustration, agitation and, frankly, anger.
And then, I take a step back, and ask You, “Really Lord? You can cause the sun to go from west to east and feed 5000, and You can’t take care of this little thing?” Then, in the midst of the rancor, I hear Your voice in those moments telling me, “I know what I’m going to do; I’ve already laid out the results. I’m testing YOU. What will YOU do?”
Lord Jesus, the saying is true: that while does not break me makes me stronger. And in You, I cannot be broken! I want to pass the test. I want to come out of these light and momentary afflictions spotless. I want to please You. And frankly, that cannot happen without You. So today, I hear You beckoning me to come to You, cling to You, depend upon You, as I confront the challenges of this day. Things have not and will not work out the way I expect them to. However, they will work out the way You do! And, in the end, I will rejoice over Your handiwork.
Grant me faith and patience today to hold fast, trust deeply, and anticipate in hope what You shall accomplish in what I am confronted with this day. I put all of my faith in You. Amen.