um·brel·la [uhm-brel-uh]
1. [noun] a light, small, portable, usually circular cover for protection from rain or sun, consisting of a fabric held on a collapsible frame of thin ribs radiating from the top of a carrying stick or handle.
2. [adjective] having the quality or function of covering or applying simultaneously to a number of similar items, elements, or groups
Today a friend approached me with a dilemma he was facing, and a difficult decision he had to make. Another friend was also bringing up a decision he had made, but was wondering whether he had made the correct decision, or whether or not his decision would bear fruit. Over dinner we discussed possibilities and outcomes, and tried to gauge the best course of action.
Dinner btw, was at KAYU nasi kandar. A first time for me – I have never had dinner – or any meal for that matter – at KAYU before. So yeah, its good like everyone says, and it is also expensive. Anyway, at the end of all our discussion, we upped and walked out to our cars, when we realized that apparently we had failed to take heed of the torrential downpour that was going on outside.
I did not have my umbrella.
Which brings me to my point: MAN is a foolish creature. We walk around so sure of the control we have over the world around us – when even some falling water droplets could tear all our plans asunder.
I told my friend earlier at some point in the conversation that whatever the situation would turn out to be, I wanted to know that in every situation, God had my back. I wanted to know that He would be there with me. I have recalled times when I took stupid paths – not due to disobedience – which ended up okay in the end. And also other times when I took paths which seemed to me like the surest road, and still ended up one buck short. Why? I don’t know, but one thing I do know. God can turn bad decisions / a bad past / a bad situation good.
Conversely, trudging it out pompously on our own can also make even the simplest of decisions; the surest of roads turn out disastrous. So logically, having the confidence in Him through a righteous walk is the path I want to take. Cause that way, whatever I do, I know my life is in His hands. I have the assurance that whatever befalls me, He has allowed it, He is in control, I have His favor, and in the end, it will all work out for the good of ‘those who love Him’.
The rain falls on both the good and the evil. The classic parable in the Bible speaks of two houses – one built on sand and one built on the rock. The houses are generic – and so are the weather conditions they face. The rain and storm will come. Whether or not the rain will fall is not an issue. It will. And it is not the houses who decide the outcome, but rather the foundation they are built upon.
Matthew 7:24″Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Again, sometimes I live as if I never knew rain was going to fall one day. Ironically today was such a day. Sometimes we are indoors, sometimes we are outside. And having our umbrella determines whether or not we are soaked. Please do note that the umbrella itself does not stop the rain, but it does serve to keep us dry for the most part. And just like keeping our communion with God, we also can keep our umbrellas with us. Should we decide to constantly ‘walk’ without our umbrellas in the outdoors, a soaking is inevitable.
So what did I learn today? I learned that in reality, I know nothing of the future and have no control over my environment. What I do have control over is my reaction and the simple decision of turning to and walking close to the One who does have control. So as for me I will make it my business to walk obediently and live right. Far from this state I agree, but at least it’s a start.
I hope this means something to you.
Good night.
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