What did we ever do before the invention of the t.v. remote control? Well, we had to get up every time we wanted to change the channels, adjust the volume or turn the set on or off. We sat closer to the t.v. so we didn’t have to walk so far, and thus strained our eyes.
In the 21st century, we have universal remotes that allow us to control stereos, DVD and CD players, fireplaces, 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. We can even go anywhere, push a button or two, put earbuds in, and close off the world.
Wouldn’t it be great to have a remote to change the circumstances of our life or make it so we would not have to look at what annoys us? We could just change the “channel” with the touch of a button or adjust the volume of someone talking to us, if we wanted to. We could 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 to resolve them. What an easy way of life, right? God allows 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. 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.
II Cor. 12:9,10 “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 persecution in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
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 them altogether, or are you willing to “set the remote aside” and learn His lessons so you can become a stronger child of God?
–Excerpt from “Visions of Him” by Robyn Besemann
For more encouraging resources, go to https://robynbministries.com