Cancellations and Control

What an interesting week!  On Wednesday, we had to cancel our Thanksgiving Eve service because high winds caused a power outage at church.  On Sunday, we cancelled our worship service because of the overnight snow.  As I reflected on this, two thoughts came to mind.  First, it reminded me of how little we actually control in this life.  There is nothing I can personally do to stop or reduce winds and snow.  A meteorologist can predict, but never control, the weather.  And even if I call in and raise Cain with the Board of Light and Power or the road commission, it probably won’t restore power or clear the roads any faster.  

Second, I can safely surrender myself to God’s providence.  When worship services don’t happen or connecting flights get missed, God’s plan is not threatened.  His goodwill for his world and my life can easily sustain, and often include, things that are disappointing to me.  I won’t begin to guess why the weather prevented two worship services last week.  Did God have some special reason for this?  Was it a random event that he worked into his plan?  But I do know that God redeems all things.  I know they work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purposes.