We are often not in control of the next event. It often happens even when we’ve been careful to plan the process. So, although we are not always in control of situations around us or the way other people will behave, we are ALWAYS in control of our reaction to those events.
Let’s study the next piece from the Word to see how out of control we can get.
A Sinful Woman Forgiven
Luk 7:36 Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat.
Luk 7:37 And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil,
Luk 7:38 and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil.
Luk 7:39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.”
Now, can you understand how out of control this situation was? This Pharisee was embarrassed because he planned this event and he wanted to impress Jesus and now this uninvited sinner came in and made a scene and on top of that, with his guest…
Now, look at Jesus’ response.
Luk 7:40 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.”
Please read further, but basically, Jesus showed how Simon was at fault and this woman was forgiven.
Jesus didn’t act ‘normal’. If he did nothing, people would still believe the woman was wrong. No, He acted in Faith against the fear that Simon could reject Him.
When we are in a situation, we often need to act immediately and often we act from whatever is in our hearts.
- How we were brought up?
- How do we protect ourselves?
- What have we learnt from previous experiences?
- What is the best political move?
- What is the appropriate response?
See how Jesus turned this situation with a short story and then a question. Luk 7:41-43.
So, I believe the best thing to do with an unexpected situation, is to just stop and quietly ask God for wisdom. Then act on the still small voice and trust Him for a good outcome according to the surety we find in Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
So start with the question: Lord what is Your purpose and how should I handle this?
Is it not interesting how the Lord always requires Faith for the next step?