What did we ever do before the invention of the TV remote control? Well, we had to get up every time we wanted to change the channel , adjust the volume, or turn the set on or off. We would sit closer to the TV so we didn’t have to walk so far.
In the twenty-first century, we have universal remotes that allow us to control stereos, dvd and cd payers, video machines, window blinds, lights, and so much more. Every day brings more technology and more ways to allow us to stay on the couch or in the recliner.
Wouldn’t it be great to have a remote to change the circumstances of our life and make it so we would not have to look at what annoys us? If we wanted to, we could just change the “channel” with the touch of a button or adjust the volume of someone talking to us. We would not have to face anything that we didn’t want to; just see what’s on the next station! We could avoid challenges in our marriage, our work situation, difficulties with our kids, and never have to look at them or work on them. What an easy way out of life, right?
God allows those challenges for a reason,. He wants us to grow, to recognize His provision for us, to accept His lessons, and ultimately to experience a stronger trust in Him. These would all result in a more victorious and joyful life. If all we had to do was push a button to avoid those challenges, we would never grow or see Him at work in our lives.
God has the perfect plan and knew what it was before we were even born. We are the ones who stray from that plan, but yet, He still continues to guide us back to Himself. Now, whether we will relinquish the remote control or not is our choice!
“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties, FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG.” 2 Cor. 12:9,10
This scripture is a wonderful reminder that no matter how many challenges we face, we don’t have to “change the channel, because His strength is sufficient.
Take a moment to sit and hold your remote control and think about this. Look at the challenges that are presently in your life. Why do you think God has allowed them? Would it be better if you could use a remote control and avoid struggles altogether, or are you willing to set the remote aside and learn His lessons so you can become a stronger man or woman of God?
EXERPT FROM “VISIONS OF HIM…Seeing God in Everyday Things”, written by Robyn Besemann and available on www.amazon.com or www.robynbministries.com/store.