Under Control
I don’t know about you, but I get really frustrated when life feels out of my control. Still, it’s an inevitable part of life—we can make all the plans we want and be great at setting goals and achieving them, but sometimes life throws us curveballs we didn’t see coming.
In Paul’s writings to the early church, he says to the Thessalonians:
“Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know. That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and that our work had been useless.” 1 Thessalonians 3:4–5, NLT
From the very first followers of Jesus until now, trouble has always been part of the journey. Jesus told us this would happen, after all!
Trouble can come in many forms. For some, it’s physical sickness. For others, it’s the loss of a loved one, a job change, unforeseen conflict, or financial stress. All the political tension and “wars and rumors of wars” in the world are also enough to make anyone anxious. And there are so many more forms of trouble than I could ever list—too many to count.
Every now and then, something comes along that impacts the masses—like the pandemic. That was the first time it really hit home for me just how little control I actually have. I realized that even with all my plans and step-by-step action lists, everything can change in an instant due to something completely outside of my control.
Trouble can be so disheartening. Paul was deeply concerned about these new believers and sent Timothy to check on them. What do you think he found? Let’s read it together:
“But now Timothy has just returned, bringing us good news about your faith and love. He reports that you always remember our visit with joy and that you want to see us as much as we want to see you. So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 3:6–8, NLT
Joy and encouragement in the midst of suffering?! How?
Because they stood firm in the confident hope Jesus gave them. And what is that hope?
That we don’t belong here permanently—that if we endure to the end, we will experience life under His perfect control. No more sickness. No more death. No more pain. It’s good news—and it’s news worth sharing with everyone we know.
Friend, if you’re feeling discouraged by the troubles in your life today, would you take a moment to read the passages below with me? May our hearts be filled with joy and peace as we remember the incredible hope we have in Jesus:
“But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.” Philippians 3:20-21 NLT
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
