BEYOND OUR CONTROL – Morning Devotional From the Edges –

BEYOND OUR CONTROL –

Pastor Calvin Cook – January 31, 2025

Scripture focus – Isaiah 25:9 – It shall be said in that day: Look, this is our God for whom we have waited that He might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.

There are days that I witness and experience the feeling of “I don’t know how much more I can take.” It seems that one occurrence that drags us to despair is settled before the other one is knocking at the door. At times these situations aren’t kind enough to knock, they just bust in and take over demanding our attention and energy to overcome whatever the situation might be.

This morning as I prayed for someone who seems to fall into the category of “how much more can I take” I was reminded of the life of Joseph. I mean seriously as you read through his life in Genesis 37-50 you begin to sympathize with Joseph and all that he is going through, much brought on by jealousy and hatred of others. Here is this person trying with all his heart to remain faithful to God, family, and friends and one thing right after another comes at him. Yet in the midst of these situations Joseph remains faithful.

But what about us; how do we deal with things coming against us in the inner depths of our soul. Do we seek wise council, pray, read scripture, trust and have faith. Or do we lament, cry, cuss, complain all of which separate us just a bit from the loving care of God.

Here is what I believe needs to be put into practice. Amidst the things that are out of our control that come against us that we address these things in a holy way. That we wait patiently with hearts of forgiveness and focus on God to seek and be rescued once again. We don’t just sit idly saying God will deliver, but we as well pick up the shovel to begin to dig ourselves out of this pit we seem to find ourselves in. Not bury us further in the depths of despair, but seek guidance and direction of God for our rescue to happen.

What is the new things God is calling us to? How will we endure so that we can once again stand on top of the mountain looking at where we have been and at the bright future that is ahead of us. It will be then that we like Isaiah 25:9 reminds us that through our faithfulness, trust, and perseverance that we find and see God and rejoice in his salvation.