I was standing in my parent’s kitchen when I got the phone call saying that my flight was cancelled.
I put the phone down, dropped my hands to my sides and held them tightly in a fist, and clenched my teeth together to prevent any ill words from coming out of my mouth. Seriously, ouch. My jaw hurt. I closed my eyes so nobody would see the madness that was burning in them. And even thought I didn’t say or really do anything I would have later regretted, I was immediately ashamed of how I had reacted to something that was so completely out of my control.
I reflect on what is shown of Jesus’ life in the New Testament, and especially his hours leading up to the cross. Jesus was suffering from such intense circumstantial spiritual distress that he sweat drops of blood(Luke 22:44), yet he was praying to God saying, “yet not my will, but yours”(Luke 22.42). His death on the cross was imminent, but he remained submissive to His Father until the end. Jesus knew that in order for God’s work to be completed, he needed to be obedient to what God wanted Him to do. How he responded to the call is absolutely remarkable. “Not my will but yours.”
How I yearn to be like Jesus when God calls me to do something or puts ‘my’ life on hold. In every circumstance I pray to be submissive, obedient, and reactive in such a way as to bring glory to God.
Sometimes I feel like God has a something against me when things don’t go my way. But the more I experience Him, the more I realize that sometimes He’s just telling me that it’s not really about me anyway, but rather I am meant to be used to further His kingdom. How dare I doubt Him for a second!
As it should be, God is in control, and He is always doing what is best for our lives. We just need to silence ourselves and listen to the opportunities that He’s giving us, and search to find the good and glory of God in each and every circumstance.
My flight ended up getting cancelled three more times over the next four days, and each of those times I was able to smile up at God with joy in my heart and say, “Okay. Yes, you’re in control, use me however your need me.”
Glory to God for being able to accept my circumstance!
