Persistence ∙∙

Persistence ∙∙

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. – James 1:3

Romans 5:3-5

3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.
5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

The Power of Persistence

Throughout the 1800s, several inventors sought to create a functioning light bulb. However, it was Thomas Edison who succeeded in developing the first commercially practical incandescent bulb. Edison’s approach was methodical and determined. After countless trials, he discovered that a cotton thread filament could produce over 13 continuous hours of light. He filed his groundbreaking patent in 1879, changing the world forever. The invention of the light bulb stands as a testament to the unwavering power of persistence.

Edison himself reflected on his process, famously stating, “I didn’t fail 1000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1000 steps.” His belief in persistence over failure resonated deeply in his work and remains a guiding principle for innovation.

Former President Calvin Coolidge echoed similar sentiments about persistence, saying, “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone prevail.”

Resilience in the Face of Challenges

History offers countless examples of how persistence shaped not just inventions but nations. On May 3, 2011, Austin Bay, in his essay “In Praise of American Persistence,” reflected on the indomitable spirit of the United States. He pointed to milestones like the Wright Brothers powered flight, the construction of the Panama Canal, the Battle of Belleau Wood, the Battle of Okinawa, the Manhattan Project, the Apollo program reaching the moon, and the Internet. Austin Bay concludes that each achievement exemplifies “a nation of genius, courage, and persistence emerges – a nation to emulate, not injure and anger.”

Even in conflict, America’s resilience is undeniable. Critics and adversaries often underestimated the nation’s ability to persevere. Many perceived it as a “weak horse” that lacked strength, power, or the ability to succeed, and the US was seen as vulnerable and unable to endure challenges effectively. They assumed its internal struggles would erode its global strength. Yet history tells a different story. From 1947 to 1989, the United States invested decades of effort to contain and ultimately defeat the U.S.S.R. This long, grueling chapter culminated in the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, signaling victory at the end of the Cold War.

The Spirit That Endures

Such extraordinary persistence required more than military and security expertise. It drew upon the resilience and dedication of everyday Americans—the workers, taxpayers, soldiers, and police who upheld the ideals of liberty and progress. Austin Bay poignantly noted, “That took extraordinary persistence. It took resilient, adaptable, creative, and able American military and security services. Most of all, it took the basic, consistent support of the American people, the ones who go to work, pay the bills, wear the police and military uniforms, and, to paraphrase John Kennedy, will ‘bear any burden . . . to assure the survival and the success of liberty.’”

The lessons of persistence remind us that determination shapes progress. Setbacks are steps, and resilience is the force that carries us forward.

REFLECT & PRAY

“Energy and persistence conquer all things” (Benjamin Franklin).

The precious possession of a man is diligence (Proverbs 12:27).

Father, encourage me and strengthen me to face the trials and adversities I experience. Help me respond to these challenges with grace and develop within me the precious gift of persistence.

INSIGHT

The Power of Endurance

James 1:3 reminds us, “The testing of your faith produces endurance.” The Greek word hupomone, translated as “endurance” or “steadfastness,” embodies “the ability to withstand hardship or stress.” It reflects traits like “patience, perseverance, fortitude, and long-suffering.” This quality equips us “to resist surrender, regardless of the difficulties we face.” It is the inner strength to remain resolute and unyielding in the face of challenges.

Persistence can be compared to a muscle that requires exercise to become stronger. Similarly, the Father uses trials, pain, and adversity to refine and build our endurance. These experiences allow us to persevere and develop resilience in ways that bring us closer to Him.

A New Perspective on Trials

Our struggles often take on a new dimension when viewed through the Father’s perspective. James encourages us to find joy in these hardships, not because they are pleasant, but because they refine us to be more like the Lord Jesus Christ. These trials forge a gradual transformation, shaping us into His likeness.

Hupomone, however, is “not merely passive endurance—it’s an active, conquering spirit.” “It is the spirit which meets things head-on and overcomes them,” as William Barclay so vividly describes. This perspective pushes us to rise above challenges with determination and strength.

Examples of Conquering Persistence

History offers inspiring examples of resilience in the spirit of hupomone. When Beethoven faced the devastating reality of deafness as a musician, he refused to succumb and declared, “I will take life by the throat.” That is hupomone. Such resolve illustrates how persistence not only endures hardship but triumphs over it.

Rejoicing in Afflictions

As children of the King, we have within ourselves the ability to not only “exult ‘in the midst of afflictions but that we are to exult ‘in’ the afflictions themselves: that is, to view them as a basis for further confidence in our redeemed status” (Moo). This attitude doesn’t diminish the pain of trials but reframes them as opportunities for growth and redemption. With each challenge, we grow stronger. Over time, our persistence molds us to reflect Christ’s character more fully.

A Foundation for Success

Success in both our spiritual and earthly pursuits often rests on persistence. Colin Powell observed, “Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence.” Echoing this sentiment, Winston Churchill declared, “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

It is up to us to choose to move forward with a steadfast spirit of hupomone, embracing life’s challenges as tools to shape us into the likeness of Christ. Through every trial, we are empowered to persist, overcome, and emerge victorious in Him.

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© Dr. H 2025

One line at a time ∙∙

One line at a time ∙∙

He tells us everything over and over – one line at a time – Isaiah 28:10

Isaiah 28:9-10

9 To whom will he teach knowledge, and to whom will he explain the message?
10 For it is precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little.

How do we discover new things?

Robert Jastrow famously wrote, “For the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream. He has scaled the mountains of ignorance, he is about to conquer the highest peak; as he pulls himself over the final rock, he is greeted by a band of theologians who have been sitting there for centuries” (Robert Jastrow, God and the Astronomers).

Jastrow’s words challenge the idea that modern science has all the answers. He suggests that while science is excellent at uncovering the mysteries of the universe, it has its limitations. Often, at its zenith, science faces questions that theologians and philosophers have long explored. His statement implies that science and theology are not mutually exclusive; instead, they are different perspectives through which humanity seeks to understand the universe.

How do we learn and acquire knowledge?

There are three main methods through which we learn and acquire knowledge. The first is through human reason, using intellect and trial and error to figure things out—this method is known as rationalism. The second is through experience—learning by doing, through observation and practice. This method is known as empiricism.

Revelation is another way to gain knowledge, a capability that exceeds human ability. For centuries, the Father has lovingly revealed truths that humanity could never uncover through reason or experience alone—truths regarding the nature of sin, the need for salvation, the origin of all that is, and the life and teachings of Christ.

To access this divine revelation, we must immerse ourselves in the Word of God, meditating on Scripture, studying, and listening for the Father’s voice. Without this, we cannot fully grasp the profound wisdom that He offers freely to the children of the King.

Sadly, many in our modern age reject the existence of God and dismiss the Bible as a source of valuable information and understanding. To them, it is merely literature, just a collection of stories, myths, and poetry. They fail to recognize its divine origin and life-giving wisdom.

Into this post-Christian, nontheistic age, we have been born. And until we are born again, we are the doomed, gloomy byproducts of our times. When the rulers of our age turned away from the Father and the Word of God, they lost the wisdom that comes only from the Father.

This loss of spiritual truth has profound consequences. Without the Father, humanity is left to rely on the wisdom of the world. James 3:15 warns, “This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.”

The term “earthly” translates the Greek term epigeous, from epi + ge, literally “on earth.” Such wisdom has its source in things that are “confined to the earth.” We are familiar with the concept of thinking “outside the box.” Earthly thinking is “inside the box.” It is extremely limited. Providing outcomes that are entirely earthly and worldly.

The Greek word psychike, translated as “natural,” speaks to an “instinctual, unspiritual way of reasoning.” William Barclay describes it as the kind of wisdom that makes an animal snap and snarl with no other thought than that of prey or personal survival, devoid of deeper purpose or morality.

Finally, the term daimoniodes, translated as “demonic,” points to the wisdom that originates not from God but from the evil one and his minions.

When humanity rejects the Father, it descends into a bleak and hopeless state. The prophet Isaiah captures this tragedy vividly in Isaiah 59:9-11: “There is no justice among us, and we know nothing about right living. We look for light but find only darkness. We look for bright skies but walk in gloom. We grope like the blind along a wall, feeling our way like people without eyes. Even at the brightest noontime, we stumble as though it were dark. Among the living, we are like the dead.”

The result is a world filled with darkness, resulting in aimless wandering without light or hope. Yet even in this bleakness, the Father offers a promise of salvation. Isaiah 9:2 proclaims, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” This light is the Lord Jesus Christ, Who dispels the gloom and leads us into truth.

REFLECT & PRAY

Life can be like a massive and delightful treasure hunt. Every day offers an opportunity to seek the Father’s truths and grow in understanding. Revelation is His gift, moving us beyond the limits of earthly knowledge and into the depths of divine wisdom.

Father, thank You for desiring to teach me directly and personally. Lead me in Your truth as I listen and grow in Your Word.

INSIGHT

Shadows and Reality

Without the Father’s guidance, our perception of reality is skewed. What we think and have come to “know” as real dictates what we believe can be real. We are shaped by our own limitations. Plato’s “Allegory of The Cave” illustrates this perfectly.

The story describes prisoners confined to a dark cave since childhood. They see only shadows flickering across the walls and accept these shadows as the entirety of reality. The cave represents the world in which many people live, mistaking shadows for reality and partial truths for the fullness of truth.

When one prisoner is freed, he observes the shadows and realizes they are merely two-dimensional reflections of real objects. Venturing out of the cave, he encounters the real world for the first time and recognizes how limited his understanding has been. Though now enlightened, if he were to return to the cave, his fellow prisoners would likely see him as confused or even deranged, unable to comprehend his new reality.

The Apostle Paul captures this idea in 1 Corinthians 13:12, saying, “Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.”

This passage challenges us to reflect on our own lives. Is our reality limited to darkness, shadows, and partial truths? Or do we live in the reality of the light of life? To borrow a line from X-files, “The truth is out there.”

The Truth That Frees Us

True freedom begins with recognizing the flaws in our perception of reality. John 8:32 proclaims, “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” To step into this freedom, we must first confront the limitations of our thinking and become discontent with darkness. Only then can we pursue the fullness of truth found in the Father.

Paul addresses the internal struggle for clarity and freedom in Romans 8:5-8. He writes, “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So, letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.”

The grip of the sinful nature blinds us to true reality. Living in shadows, bound to worldly desires and selfish ambitions, leads to spiritual death. But the Spirit invites us to live in the light—a reality filled with life and peace, where we begin to see things rightly.

Stepping Into the Light

To move forward, we must recognize that our own understanding is limited and shaped by earthly and flawed perspectives. The Father calls us to step out of the cave and trust the Spirit to guide us.

The truth is not just “out there”—it is revealed through the Word of God, the teachings of Christ, and the Spirit’s work in our lives. Freedom comes when we seek the light and allow the Father to reshape our understanding. Only then can we shed the shadows of this world and live fully in the truth.

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© Dr. H 2025

Thank God for Who He is ∙∙

Thank God for Who He is ∙∙

Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth! Sing about the glory of his name! Tell the world how glorious he is.- Psalms 66:1-2

Psalms 95:1-7

1 Come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him.

3 For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods.
4 He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains.
5 The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too.
6 Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker,
7 for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today!

Paper greeting cards have a rich and delightful tradition. Over the years, they’ve captured countless sentiments—heartfelt messages for nearly every occasion. From weddings and birthdays to holidays, illness, friendship, and simple expressions of gratitude like “Thank you” or “I miss you,” these cards have been used to touch hearts. Yet, perhaps one sentiment surpasses them all: “Thanks just for being you.” With just a few words, it conveys profound appreciation, reminding someone they are valued not for what they do but simply for who they are.

This same thought prompts the question: How can we thank the Father “just for being who He is”? Scripture offers abundant insight into the nature of the Father, encouraging us to reflect on who He is and what He is like. Many passages emphasize His divine attributes, such as holiness, righteousness, goodness, omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence. Other passages highlight His personality, showcasing the Father as kind, thoughtful, loyal, and dependable—a protector and a friend. He embodies wisdom, mercy, gentleness, and immeasurable generosity.

We can express our gratitude simply by meditating on His attributes and His character. Reflecting on His goodness, we find ourselves drawn into praise and worship, captivated by the beauty of who He is. We are free to approach Him personally, to speak to Him from the depths of our hearts, and to say, “Thank You, Father, for being You.”

A Heartfelt Example of Gratitude

Consider the words of 1 Chronicles 16:34, which declare, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” This verse reminds us to thank the Father for His unwavering goodness and faithfulness. His love is eternal—unchanging and steadfast—no matter the circumstances. We might pray, “Thank You, Father, for being good and faithful. Thank You for a love that will never fail me.”

The Majesty of Creation

David expresses awe and gratitude when he reflects on both the grandeur of creation and humanity’s unique place within it in Psalms 8:3-5: “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place—what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor.”

David’s words resonate with wonder as he gazes at the night sky. He is struck by the magnificence of the universe. For the Creator, the placement of stars and the moon was effortless—mere “fingerwork.” Yet, the same God who shaped the cosmos also formed humanity as His crowning achievement. We alone, among all of creation, are made in His image.

This realization overwhelms David. He is left mesmerized. How incredible that the all-powerful Creator should consider us, care for us, and instill us with such worth. Our value rests not on accomplishments or status. Our self-worth is derived from the wonder and excellence of the Father Who created us.

Footprints of the Father

Echoing this truth, Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Just as the works of artists like Rembrandt or Michelangelo reflect their brilliance, we reflect the creativity and excellence of the Father. We are His masterpieces, each uniquely crafted and imbued with a piece of His essence. Each life tells part of His story. We are the footprints of the Father in the timeline of history.

Though He is high and lifted up, His glory trickles down through creation, bestowing value on each of us. Our hearts should overflow with gratitude as we marvel at this privilege—to be made by our perfect Creator, to be loved unconditionally, and to realize that we are His handiwork.

Thanking Him Simply for Being

We honor the Father through our gratitude, our praise, and our awe. Whether reflecting on His attributes, His character, or the wonder of His creation, we find countless reasons to thank Him—not just for what He does, but for who He is. He is good, faithful, kind, and indescribably great. We are His beloved children, designed with intention and purpose, reflective of His glory.

May our hearts always hold the simple but profound sentiment, “Thank You, Father, just for being You.”

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father loves us unconditionally, just as we are—flawed, imperfect, yet cherished. Our response to such boundless love is simple yet profound: to love Him just as He is. He deserves our wholehearted adoration, our respect, and our gratitude.

Father, thank You for being Who and What You are. Thank You for loving each of us personally and individually. Thank You for allowing us to love You in return. May we honor and praise You from the depths of our hearts and souls.

INSIGHT

A World in Want of Gratitude

Today, we live in a world where thankfulness often takes a back seat. Self-importance and entitlement overshadow appreciation. Many people harbor ungrateful attitudes of “You owe me,” either toward each other or even toward God. For some, the Father is taken for granted, and for others, He is simply ignored.

Yet, amidst this disheartening reality, countless people show kindness, generosity, and love. They enrich our lives in both small and significant ways. How often do we recognize their goodwill and express sincere gratitude? The same question lingers when we look toward the Father. Do we pause to acknowledge His continual kindness and express thanks—not for what He gives, but for who He is?

A Call to Worship

David, a man after God’s own heart, constantly urges all children of the King to bow down, worship, and adore the Lord. Gratitude starts at the moment we turn our attention to the boundless goodness of our Creator.

Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7 offers a stirring invitation to gratitude and reverence: “Come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care.”

Here, the Father is described as the “Rock of our salvation.” He is unwavering and steadfast, providing a foundation of certainty and permanence in an uncertain world. His love is immovable and His care unending. Nothing can disrupt the bond He has established with His children—a bond rooted in kindness, mercy, and eternal love.

The Father’s Sovereign Authority

The Father holds absolute authority over the universe. He reigns as the ultimate judge, with final decisions resting solely in His hands. He is far above every man-made idol or god. Our God is the only living God—sovereign, mighty, and real.

Psalm 66:3-5 captures the awe inspired by His unmatched power: “Say to God, ‘How awesome are your deeds! Your enemies cringe before your mighty power. Everything on earth will worship you; they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs.’ Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people!”

The Father is magnificent, deserving of both our gratitude and reverence—not just for His deeds but for His very nature. He is unchanging, steadfast, and abounding in love. He is the solid rock on which we stand, the provider of stability and unwavering care. To Him belong all honor, worship, and praise.

His name is wonderful

His name is wonderful; His name is wonderful
His name is wonderful; Jesus my Lord

He is the mighty King; Master of everything
Bow down before Him; Love and adore Him
His name is wonderful; Jesus my Lord

He’s the great Shepherd; The Rock of all ages; Almighty God is He
Bow down before Him; Love and adore Him
His name is wonderful; Jesus my Lord

He is the mighty King; Master of everything
His name is wonderful; Jesus my Lord.

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© Dr. H 2025

I don’t feel pretty ∙∙

I don’t feel pretty ∙∙

He has made everything beautiful in its time. – Ecclesiastes 3:11

Ecclesiastes 3:1-12

1 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
2 A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.
3 A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up.

4 A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.
5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.

7 A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
8 A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.

11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.

12 So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can.

I feel pretty (Maria – Westside Story)

I feel pretty, Oh, so pretty, I feel pretty and witty and bright!
And I pity any girl who isn’t me tonight.

I feel charming. Oh, so charming
It’s alarming how charming I feel!
And so pretty that I hardly can believe I’m real.

Feeling Beautiful

Many of us face the challenge of feeling unattractive; we don’t feel pretty! Sometimes, we wonder if our heavenly Father did not make a big mistake when He created us. But the truth is, He has a plan to make EVERYTHING beautiful in its time. This includes us. Every child of the King is a masterpiece in progress, shaped with love by the hands of our Creator.

The Father’s Creative Vision

The Father is an artist, and we are His canvas—His work of art in progress. Every child of the King is touched by His creative hand. We are His canvas, each of us a masterpiece in the making.

Watch an artist in their element. They commence with a concept, a vision, perhaps a doodle, or a reference image. They draft on a fabric or digital platform, infuse it with hues, and create depth and harmony. Gradually, they refine their work until it aligns perfectly with their vision.

It’s not a far stretch to imagine that the Father created and shaped everything in existence in a similar fashion. However, there’s a fundamental distinction. For Him, no time was required. There was no process involved. The entirety of creation unfolded instantly – as His thoughts were spoken into existence.

Psalms 33:6,9

6 The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.
9 For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command.

He created matter and time, landscapes and mountains, seas and galaxies. If He took care to craft something as fleeting as a rainbow or as grand as a galaxy, how much more does He care for you, His beloved child?

Beautiful in His Time

The phrase “beautiful in its time” comes from the Hebrew word yapheh, which initially referred to “visual beauty—something lovely to behold.” Over time, the meaning expanded, signifying “something good, right, or perfectly appropriate.” This reflects the Father’s work in creation and us.

As we move through time, the Father is at work to make everything proper and correct, that is, beautifully appropriate. We can translate this phrase as “God makes everything happen at its proper time” or “Everything God does, He does when the time is right” (UBS).

The Father is a sovereign King. He governs not only the physical world but also the realm of time. What the Father does, He does at the right time. He is working steadily to make all things proper and complete. You may not yet see the end result, but He is creating beauty within His timeframe, shaping you for His perfect purposes. The Father works wisely and lovingly, weaving the intricate threads of our lives into something extraordinary.

Trust the Process

A transformation of our thinking and perspective is required. Think of the difficult times in your life as part of His refining process. Shift your point of view and see that Father is carefully and thoughtfully adding the final touches to the complex tapestry of your life. These phases are opportunities for growth and development under His care. The Father is creating something extraordinary through our challenges. Trust His vision, wait for His timing, and take heart in knowing you are His masterpiece in the making.

“A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down” (Mary Poppins).

We are simply passing through time. Our experiences, no matter how intense, are often brief in the larger scope of our lives. With a few exceptions, they are fleeting.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father is always at work in every child of the King. He is crafting masterpieces. His artistic endeavors in our lives are a work in progress. He is simply not finished yet.

Father, I acknowledge You as the great artist, and my life is but one of the countless canvases upon which You work. Your goal is to make everything beautifully appropriate in its time. Thank You.

INSIGHT

Clarity amid uncertainty

Human beings are bound by time, caught in its unrelenting flow. We have no control over it, no power to halt or alter its passage. Amid this reality, we often struggle to make sense of the events that shape our lives. Are they mere coincidences, the chaotic outcomes of chance? Or are we simply adrift, at the mercy of an unpredictable universe?

The Scriptures provide clarity amid this uncertainty. Time was not an accident of creation but a deliberate act of the Father God. He brought time into existence with purpose, crafting it as a framework within which His eternal plan unfolds. Each individual holds a place within this intricate design, woven together by the Creator’s hand. Unlike us, the Father is not confined by time; He rules over it. He orchestrates and intervenes within its boundaries at moments of His choosing, fulfilling His purposes with both precision and intention.

Far from being arbitrary, the events of our lives—both profound and mundane—are infused with meaning under His sovereign care. They occur within a divine order, one that harmonizes time and events in ways we may not yet comprehend. “Every event has its definite place in the time-order; the event is inconceivable without its time, and vice versa” (von Rad). Nothing is random; no moment is wasted. Though we live within the mystery of time, we can rest in the assurance that the Author of time is also the Architect of our lives.

God’s Masterpiece in Christ

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” This Scripture reflects the Father’s intentional work in shaping our lives according to His purpose and calling. We are not accidents; we are carefully crafted by His hand, created anew in Christ to carry out the good works He envisioned long before time began.

The Father’s Perspective on Time and History

Ecclesiastes offers a profound glimpse into the Father’s perception of human history. His view is one of supreme understanding and purpose. This divine perspective invites us to place our confidence and optimism in Him, tempered with humility and gratitude. Throughout the space-time continuum, the Father is actively at work, implementing His eternal blueprints. Every moment and every life is part of His grand and sovereign plan.

Crafted as Unique Masterpieces

Each of us is a unique design in the tapestry of creation. Like a master artist, the Father intricately crafts every child of the King, revealing their unique calling and value. While we can marvel at the beauty of His handiwork, we cannot always grasp the brilliance or creativity behind it. Our understanding deepens as we observe the wonders of Earth, the cosmos, and the personalized craftsmanship He invests into each life. Yet, His genius remains far beyond our complete comprehension.

A Hunger for Meaning Within Our Limits

The Father has instilled in us a desire to understand life’s meaning and purpose. He reveals glimpses of His plan to inspire awe and faith, yet He also places limits on our understanding. We remain finite beings, unable to fathom His eternal thoughts and ways fully. This tension between longing for understanding and confronting our limitations brings both humility and reliance on His wisdom.

Comprehensive understanding and perfect contentment will elude us throughout this lifetime. Seeking perfection, though a noble pursuit, is unattainable in this world and can lead to disillusionment if we obsess over it. Instead, our privilege is to continually seek Him, to explore His nature and essence to the extent that He allows. We are invited into a lifetime of discovery, marveling at His greatness and finding joy in what He reveals.

Time is the Father’s Creation

Although we may feel trapped in time, it’s crucial to remember Who made it. The Father is not confined by time. As its Creator, He reigns over it. He orchestrates every moment according to His perfect will, and we, as His children, can trust in the ideal order He established. Our purpose is to live by faith within this framework, confident that He is always working for our good.

Finding Confidence in the Creator

No matter how mysterious or confining life may seem, we can rest in the truth that the Author of life has an eternal plan. He is not a distant observer but an active and sovereign Creator. Seek Him, trust His design, and take comfort in knowing you are His masterpiece—uniquely and wonderfully made.

Are you feeling pretty?

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© Dr. H 2025

The illusion of control ∙∙

The illusion of control ∙∙

For everything, there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me if you know so much. – Job 38:4

Job 42:2-6

1 Then Job answered the LORD and said:
2 “I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
3 ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
4 ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.’
5 I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you;
6 therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”

The Illusion of Control

Humans often cling to the belief that they can control or at least influence outcomes that are clearly beyond their grasp. One vivid example is the lottery. Many think that choosing their own numbers somehow grants them more control over the result than if they accepted randomly assigned ones. This false perception of control feels reassuring, even when it defies logic.

The Research Behind the Illusion

Psychologist Ellen Langer identified and studied this phenomenon in 1975, calling it the “Illusion of Control.” Her experiments revealed that people were more likely to behave as if they had control when tasks or events appeared to involve personal skill or experience, even when no real influence was possible. The effect has been observed countless times, consistently showing how deeply this illusion is embedded in human behavior.

The question that needs to be asked is, Why? But why do rational, well-meaning individuals regularly deceive themselves in this way? What lies at the heart of this tendency to pretend we have control?

The Search for Security

Could it be for many that the illusion of control stems from a longing for security? People crave predictability, personal peace, and safety, often constructing rigid boundaries in an attempt to feel at ease within their comfort zones. The idea of relinquishing control feels foreign to some—maybe even terrifying. Words like “surrender” and “flexibility” aren’t part of their vocabulary. When the unpredictable inevitably enters their carefully defined world, panic often follows.

A Better Way Forward

Instead of clinging to illusions, we are called to trust the wisdom and sovereignty of the Father. Flexibility and calm acceptance of His will bring peace where rigid control cannot. When we face the truth and humbly admit, “I have no control over this,” we can redirect our energy toward things that truly matter— issues we can influence (Sandra Sanger).

Recognizing the Father’s love and omniscience invites us to release the illusion of control. With deliberate and conscious submission, we can trust Him with the things we cannot control, resting securely in His perfect plan. Every day, we have the chance to purposefully choose trust, knowing His heart and mind are steadfastly loyal to each of His children.

Trusting the Sovereign Lord

The Lord Jesus Christ once addressed the city of Capernaum, saying, “For if the miracles I did for you had been done in wicked Sodom, it would still be here today” (Matthew 11:23). This striking statement emphasizes that Sodom, known as the “sin city” of ancient Canaan, represented the height of debauchery and rebellion, and might have repented had it witnessed His power. However, that opportunity was never afforded.

The lesson is clear—God alone is Sovereign. He knows the details of every event, the unspoken permutations and possibilities of what could have been, and the reasons behind His ultimate choices. We might struggle to comprehend it, but His wisdom surpasses all understanding.

Resting in His Sovereignty

The “Illusion of Control” fades when we fully acknowledge the Father’s authority over all things. Surrender isn’t about loss—it’s about freedom. True peace is found in trusting His knowledge, love, and power. We don’t have to live in a frenzied struggle to control life’s outcomes. Instead, we can rest in the secure and loving arms of the One who knows all and chooses what is best.

You, too, can purposely choose to relinquish the need to control and submit to the One who never fails.

REFLECT & PRAY

Who is in Control? Lord God omnipotent reigns! (Revelation 19:16).

Father, I know my understanding is limited, and my questions often feel endless. Help me to accept Your eternal wisdom, to trust in Your sovereign control, and to find peace in Your perfect will.

INSIGHT

When we are in the midst of difficulties or hardship, and our world seems to be collapsing, and our hopes and expectations are dashed, when we are disappointed and sad, when we are betrayed, let down, or abandoned, the Father is still in control.

The fact that we are given the ability to make free moral choices provides us with control over a smidgen of what happens in our lives. This contributes to the illusion of control. Each morning, we make conscious decisions about what clothes we wear. None of us doubt that. But at the same time, somehow, in the eternal and infinite mind of God, He has made the same choices before the foundation of the world.

We have the right and are encouraged to ask the Father tough questions. We can do this out of curiosity and wonder but not out of disillusionment, pride, or arrogance. The Father often answers our queries with probing challenges of His own. This is precisely what transpired between Job and the Father.

Job 38:4 Where were you [Job] when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me if you have understanding.

The Father rules in the affairs of men. Napoleon lost his final battle at Waterloo and lost his empire. Years later, in exile on the island of St. Helena, chastened and humbled, Napoleon is reported to have quoted the words of Thomas a Kempis: “Man proposes; God disposes.”

This is the lesson with which history confronts us all. The Father is able to work His sovereign will – despite man. It is like holding onto a water balloon. The more tightly you grasp it, the more likely it is to burst.

The Father is sovereign! He is the King of the universe. His rule and authority are all-encompassing. The Father has unlimited power. He has sovereign control over the affairs of nature, man, and history. He has created all things. He has made the earth and all of its environs. He has created all of the life forms which occupy them.

He is the creator God and, as such, rules over all of His creation. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

Revelation 19:16 Hallelujah for the Lord God omnipotent reigns.

God is sovereign, and He is in complete control. Sometimes, He delegates leadership responsibility and its consequent control to others. But He can take it back at any time. Human control is delegated control. Human control is transitory and illusionary.

Two young girls were talking, and one said she had ten pennies. The other girl looked at her hand and only saw five. She said, “You only have five pennies.”
The first girl replied, “I have five, and my father told me he would give me five more tonight. So I have ten.”

She understood that her father’s promise was as good as done (Green).

1 Peter 5:6-7

6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.
7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

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© Dr. H 2025