Tragic events in our lives or around the world make us look for explanations; we want to make sense of it all and we wonder what we can do in response.
I read a phrase in a book of quotations that stayed with me: If it is to be, it is up to me.
As a Christian, I believe it is really all up to God, yet I know He uses individuals to bring about His will. When we are not attuned to His leading we deny ourselves blessings. God’s Will most definitely shall be done regardless of any human intervention, but He wants us to share in His perfect plan to experience every joy He has for us.
In that light, I see this phrase as a reminder to be available, willing, and sensitive to God’s leading in every circumstance.
Terrorist attacks, campus unrest, and cultural schisms leave me feeling helple
ss. What can I do? How can I make a difference?
If it is to be, it is up to me, so:
- I can pray for comfort and strength for the survivors.
- I can donate to funds which promote Godly policies or support victims and their families.
- I can take every opportunity to influence people in my own life with kindness and justice.
I truly believe God is in control in this world and that I do not need to understand how “everything works together for good” in order to be used by Him to fulfill His plans. I need only pray for His will to be done in His way.
I cannot defeat evil and bring peace and justice to the whole world, but I can do whatever I am able to do. I can do the next right thing.
[Originally posted April 21, 2013, updated]
Power Walking with Jonna 