I like to be in control, and I would love it if everyone did things my way. I really don’t think that’s asking too much. Okay, I’m being sarcastic, but there is some truth in there. I want to be able to control disease, relationships, my job, my church community, and especially my kids. I can barely control myself, so why would I think I can control others? What I’m slowly learning to do is to trust it in God’s hands.
Recently, someone I love had to make some difficult decisions related to one of her adult children. The result of these decisions left the adult child without a home. This mom inspired me. She wrestled with what was the loving thing to do. She wrestled with the effect on other family members. She prayed for clear answers. She made the difficult decision to put it in God’s hands.
This reminded me of the parable of the Lost Son or Prodigal Son in the book of Luke. When we read the story, we often focus on the son. What about the father who made a very difficult decision to let his son go. We read it like it was a simple act by the father to divide up the inheritance and let his son leave. This was a huge breach of tradition and how one lives within a family. I have to believe the father anguished over this. I’m sure the father knew the son was going down a slippery slope and he may never see him again. The father was heartbroken as he said goodbye. He didn’t know how the story was going to end. Just as this mom doesn’t know how the story will end. We can’t see what is over the horizon. The prodigal son does have a happy ending.
20-21 “When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: ‘Father, I’ve sinned against God, I’ve sinned before you; I don’t deserve to be called your son ever again.’
22-24 “But the father wasn’t listening. He was calling to the servants, ‘Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We’re going to feast! We’re going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!’ And they began to have a wonderful time. (Luke 15:20-14 MSG).
I will continue to pray with this mom as she too desires a happy ending. We are trusting in God’s gentle loving hands to care for this child and finding a subtle sense of peace in the midst of heartache that the right decision was made.
How do you put life circumstances in God’s hands? How are you at trusting God is in control and you are not? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.