I realized something pretty significant this past month … I have no control. None. I possess no special powers that allow me to change circumstances or other people. It took a year of working intensively on a construction project for my college sorority to drive me to my knees in surrender at the feet of Jesus.
- We needed to raise more money…I couldn’t make people donate.
- Construction hiccups caused delay…I couldn’t speed up the workers.
- Coronavirus impacted members living in the house…I couldn’t wish it away.
Zilch. Zero. Zippo control. I couldn’t work harder, cry more, or cajole firmer. As the world clattered around me and I struggled with wanting things to be different, I recognized that my only control resided in how much I trusted God and how I responded to all these challenging situations.
I grew up as a child of faith and always believed God was trustworthy, but I’ve never been tested in my beliefs in the manner I have this past year. When you come to the end of yourself and realize he is your only option, your paradigm shifts. Your pride and self-reliance dissipate like a balloon losing its helium. As a single woman, I can usually handle anything, but God grabbed my attention and proved to me “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).
Every time an obstacle reared its head, I said aloud, “This is outside my control. I can’t change it. Jesus, this one is yours to fight.” Then I took a deep breath and released it from my plate to his. The situation didn’t immediately work itself out, but my attitude shifted and a little pressure lifted from my shoulders.
In this unprecedented time where the whole world is spinning out of our control with school choices, work difficulties, financial strain, pandemic guidelines and so much more, he is our only option.
You have no special powers to put more money in your bank account. You have no voice to persuade school districts to change their re-opening strategy. You can’t wave a wand and make COVID disappear. You can only control how much you trust God and how you respond to each situation. The motto of our construction project became “It is what it is.” So say it aloud and then trust Jesus to take control because that’s the only solution to everything.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
About Shelley Pulliam
Howdy! (A girl from Oklahoma has to use this as her greeting) I’m Shelley Pulliam, executive director of Arise Ministries and former teacher of hormone-filled 8th graders. But my real claim to fame rests in my award as second grade spelling bee champ and my recent gun-handling skills as I train to competition shoot. It helps me be on guard when Satan comes knocking. I’m a voracious reader and can frequently be found at the theater enjoying movie marathons where my record stands at six in one day. I’m a single, never married, who loves to pour into children at every opportunity. Let me know if you have any for sale. You can connect with me on social media. https://www.instagram.com/shelleypulliam/