HAVE CONTROL AND LET IT BE!

7th AUGUST 2022

“Behold I am the servant (or handmaid) of the Lord.  Let it be to me according to your word. And the angel departed from her” – Luke 1:38

Suffering is a vital aspect of life; It does not matter who you are. Your faith is also immaterial when it comes to suffering. One of the reasons that suffering is vital for life is that it makes us to appreciate the power and the grace of God in our lives. If there is no suffering, we probably may not need God in our lives.  Therefore, whether you are a Christian or not, you will have challenges in life.  However, that does not mean that God has no answer to our suffering, or is not ready to see us through periods of suffering.

Today, we shall again call to mind the lyrics of a song by Sir Paul McCartney titled, “Let it Be” The lyrics go thus:

“When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness
she is standing right in front of me
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.”

Each time I listened to this song; I feel calmed by the words of wisdom. The words simply mean, ‘let God take control’; or ‘let peace and forgiveness reign in our world”. The words also mean, ‘yes, I am ready to serve your purpose or go on a mission for the Lord’.

 There is no doubt that life, at some points, could be unfair to us; at some other times, it could just be that we deserved the punishment we were given. In both cases, we suffer pain, and it seems everything is over for us.  For instance, think of those who have been held captive either for ransom or ritual purposes.  Think also of those who are in prison, or have been condemned to die by hanging. Think about those who are going through life, managing a terminal ailment. There is no end to the woes and calamities we are currently exposed to. Anyone who is suffering thus would think of nothing else but to quit and say bye to the wicked world!

But today, I have a different message for you. Just like the birth of Jesus Christ requires a “yes” response from Mary, so also a ‘yes’ response is required from us to enable us to move on in life. Thus, sometimes (perhaps usually, who knows?), God waits upon our response before He acts. Our word then counts just as much as His – at least to get us out of darkness into the realm of light, where only the sovereignty and supremacy of God abound. To say to God – “yes, let It Be”, is to agree to the will of God in every situation, while laying aside our own choices. Mary did not understand the troubling mystery presented to her by angel Gabriel but trusted God that it was good, and thereafter, she said, “Let it be according to your word”, – not according to my troubled thoughts.

 Today’s word reminds us to have faith in God in every situation and to believe that all will be well. I do not know what challenges you are currently facing; no matter what it is, commit all into the hands of God, and ‘let it be’. The scripture says, with God, all things work together for good for those who believe (Romans 8:28). Are you ready to receive His touch by saying ‘yes’ to Him, not minding what you are going through? Remember, ‘yes’ in this instance does not mean, ‘yes’ to suffering; but ‘yes’ to a new chapter that God is ready to open in your life. By saying ‘yes’, you are also saying, ‘God I am ready, send me’! When you say ‘yes’ to God, He gives you the strength to fulfil His assignment. At other points, our ‘yes’ simply means, ‘God, take over this cup, however, not my will, but your will be done. At that point, God takes over your special situation, and His Grace abounds!

PRAYER

Father in the name of Jesus Christ, I say yes to you today. Let your will be done in my life. AMEN.

 FURTHER READING: Romans 8:28 – 29; Isaiah 6:8 – 9