What frightens you, friend?
Honestly, I think the reason some situations disappoint us so much is that we feel we've lost control. Our lives didn't turn out the way we expected, and so we desperately try to regain control.
Many of us had experienced this reality during the pandemic. In a sense, we'd lost control of our lives. We didn't know if we'd be able to travel freely, if our usual holiday events would still take place, if our favorite places and restaurants would remain open…
When faced with the inability to control anything, we can often respond with either aggression or depression. Both reactions have the same root, and it's a root that runs deep: fear.
Perhaps Peter, Jesus' disciple, had a similar problem. How could this man who was so eager to fight for Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (see John 18:10-11) suddenly become so fearful that he betrayed Jesus three times that same night? (see John 18:17, 25-27). Could it be that Peter, too, was afraid because he realized he had no control over the events?
Opposing the Romans—that he could do. But understanding the true reality of the event happening before his very eyes, this event that would change everyone's lives forever? That Peter did not understand and could not control. Jesus had to go to the cross to save us—otherwise, we would've been bound by sin forever. (see Hebrews 9:22)
Even though Jesus had tried to explain this truth in detail to His disciples beforehand (see John 16:16), Peter could not grasp or believe it. Jesus even said, "'I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.'" (John 16:33, NIV)
friend, maybe your thoughts recently have been filled with disappointment. Maybe you're thinking, "I can't understand the world anymore!" Or perhaps your own world has collapsed around you. I'd like to exhort you today—don't let your disappointment take over and fill you with anxiety and depression. Remember the One who is still in control of the world! He wants to protect and strengthen you in His peace.
Even if your world collapses, His world never will. We can rest in His perfect sovereignty today!
You are a miracle!
