I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. Rev. 4:2 (NLT)
For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Phil. 2:13 (ESV)
“I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good.” Jer. 29:11 (NLT)
Heavenly Father, life keeps reminding us how little control we actually have over a lot of things—over the number of our days, and the quality of our health. The circumstances we don’t like, and people we do love. The many blessings you give us, and the difficult stories you write for us. You are God, and we are very not.
But all is well, Father, very well. As long as you keep giving us a 20/20 sighting of Jesus’ empty tomb and your occupied throne. Though we’d love it, we don’t need a detailed timeline of when Jesus will return, all things will be made new, and evil will be fully eradicated.
All we really need to know is that we are your beloved children, and that you are at work in all things for our good—even when in the moment it doesn’t seem apparent. By your Holy Spirit, keep making the riches of the Gospel our most treasured treasure. Turn up the volume of the Spirit’s voice declaring our Sonship. Mute the devil’s lies, and drown out our fear-filled monologues.
Since you’ve given Jesus for our perfect and full salvation, we can be certain you won’t withhold anything essential to your plan for our lives, and the unfolding of your story in the world. You promise us sufficient grace, not the satisfaction of our agendas.
You promise us Christlikeness, not a hammock and a cool breeze. You promise us full redemption, not immediate relief. Father, we want what you’ve promised. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ kind and glorious name.