| I know that many of you, like us, are probably feeling like life seems out of control right now. We don’t know what to expect in the future, we can’t do everything we want to do, and we face the possibility of harm every time we step out of our front doors. It seems like everything is different. However, in many ways, it is the same as it always has been. We have never known what the future holds, we were never able to do all we wanted to do, and we always could die at any moment. A global pandemic only reveals the truth that was already there- we are not in control, and that terrifies us. This idea of control is central to the gospel. Every human being wants to do something, to earn his or her salvation, to be good enough, but the gospel tells us that we can’t- there’s nothing we can do. That takes some humility to accept, but it is also the most freeing truth in existence. Jesus paid it all. We have nothing to do but to accept His gift, and rest in the arms of the One who is in control. Jesus understands our worry, and in Matthew 6 He has some thoughts for us, “Do not worry about your life… Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?… But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you as well.” I love that Jesus not only tells us not to worry, but tells us what we should be focusing on, his kingdom (witnessing to others), and his righteousness (becoming more like Jesus). Guess what? Those are things we can be doing no matter what there is to be afraid of. If you have not given Christ the throne of your life, do it. You are NOT in control anyway, but He is, and with Him, your eternity is sure. If you are a believer, trust Him. He is good. His ways are better, even when it doesn’t feel like it. And focus on what you can control- seeking His kingdom and His righteousness. Honestly, I am so thankful that I am not in control, because I know that God can do things so much better than I could ever dream, and He sees things from an eternal perspective. I once flew in a small plane that my cousin was piloting. She said that I could take control for a minute, which sounds cool, but in reality, I was very nervous. It was scary. Why? Because I knew that I was much safer when she was in control. She knew what she was doing, she loves me, and I could trust her. It’s the same with God, so why am I always trying to grab the controls? We are thinking of all of you and praying for you. We are thankful for your continued support even as we know things may be hard for you as well. We are doing fine. We are still at our mission center supporting other missionaries how we can. Our school is closed, so Karissa is homeschooling. Matt is part of the field’s Crisis Management Team, which works together to deal with issues related to the Coronavirus, and to make plans for the future. He is doing this in addition to his regular housing job, so things are quite busy in our family. We are so thankful to be part of such a committed team of people. Till all know, Matt, Karissa, Ty, and Wyck Praise God: – We can continue to serve the team in PNG – We are safe and healthy – God continues to provide for our needs – He uses all things for our good and His glory Please Pray: – For wisdom for Matt as he serves on the CMT – For patience for Karissa as she homeschools – For grace for Ty and Wyck as they deal with big changes in their lives – For safety, peace, and balance for our family |
