August 19, 2005
Remote Control
Remote Controls are more than just a lazy man’s way of changing the channel. They are even more than popular game shows based on useless TV knowledge, which by the way has infected my head. They just make life easier and put the fate of our entertainment enjoyment in the palm of our hands. But could they have other uses??
I was recently talking to a friend going through a tough time with some very hard decisions to make. I mentioned that sometimes I wish life had a remote control, so when times were tough we could just hit FAST FORWARD. That way we would be past the turmoil and be onto enjoying the lessons learned. Or better yet, hit REWIND to go back and fix the problems that led to the current feeling of turmoil. Sometimes we could hit PAUSE to make those moments of immense pleasure and joy last as long as we wanted. And still other times when we just needed a break for a little while, we could STOP everything and PLAY when we were ready.
Unfortunately that is not a part of God’s plan for any of us. He reminds us of His sovereignty and our need to surrender this type of control. It is both comforting and confronting at the same time. We can seek and find rest in God’s love for us as we understand His plans and purposes. Yet we are also uneasy at the idea of facing the uncertainty the future holds. The balance is difficult. Complacency versus Broadening Horizons. We need to be ready to stretch and grow when God calls us, but we must also find His perfect peace, His perfect contentment in all situations.
The Apostle Paul encourages us on this very point, “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4: 11-13).” Our remote control for life is found in contentment through our Savior, Jesus Christ. He both nourishes us for the time being and pushes us to hunger for more.
True enough; but there IS an "eject."
Posted by: MT at August 19, 2005 12:45 PMI remember the days as a child before our family had a tv w/ a remote control. My dad would say, "son, get up and turn the channel". With the knob on the tv being round I would respond, "Which way dad? toward the street or toward the kitchen".
Ah, those were the days.
Posted by: Brian D. at August 20, 2005 07:49 AMjust wanted to say thanks to you and your wife...for being good friends...listening and understanding. God is using yall in ways you will never see in my life as well as in others. You rock my face off:)
Posted by: suz at August 31, 2005 12:00 PM