Your response counts

Have you ever had one of those weeks in which life seems to be one step ahead of you?

A friend who is fickle… or having no friend at all. A boy/girlfriend who walks out or never walks in. A job that’s going nowhere, or a job that never materializes. A business that is failing. Your finances crumbling because of circumstances beyond your control. Just when it seems as if life can’t get any worse … it does.

My life took a dramatic turn when I learned that no matter what you do, you will never stop life’s bad turns. We are all going to be tested, sifted, purified and refined. A traffic jam will cause you to miss that important appointment. Finances will be frustrating, and people will be confusing. Your plans will rarely work out perfectly.

You can live happily each day despite life’s ups and downs. But it can only be done through daily dependence on Jesus Christ and trust in God’s sovereignty and plan. The Apostle Paul tells us that he learned the secret of being content in every situation: that he could do everything through Him that gives me strength. Once you throw away your me-centered lenses to view life and use God’s perspective, you will enjoy freedom from circumstances. Then you will have control of your thoughts, feelings and actions.

Today, remember it’s not what happens to you that counts. How you choose to react to each situation reflects your attitude, your heart and is the fruit of your life. Your response, your decision when life happens, is what and who you are. It’s your spiritual act of worship. It just comes down to who’s in control of your attitude.

When you feel uncomfortable today, stop and assess your reaction to the day’s events. Whether you use God-centered lenses or you use your old me-centered lenses is your decision. Editor’s note: The Rev. Dr. Scott Stewart is the pastor of Pea Ridge United Methodist Church and Brightwater Methodist Church. The opinions expressed are those of the writer. He can be contacted at revjstewart@gmail.com or 479-659-9519.