On our journey through life, there are many twists and turns. We often try to control the outcome, thinking, “I am in control.” But ultimately, we are not. One day we will die. One day someone will hurt us. One day our workplaces will move in a direction we do not prefer. One day events will occur that anger us. One day a political leader we dislike will come into power. One day we may fall seriously ill, even though we believed we were healthy. The list could go on.
The question is not, “Am I in control?” Clearly, by the way life is designed, we are not. The real question is, “How do I respond?” Do I respond with anger? With shock? With thoughts that try to justify my position and resist what has happened?
Instead of responding negatively, we can choose to respond positively. When something bad happens, we don’t have to see it as a problem or something that needs to be fixed. Rather, we can see it as a blessing, often a blessing in disguise. Through God’s active presence in our lives, our hearts can be changed so that we do not create barriers, but instead open ourselves to blessings we might otherwise miss. The present moment is not something to avoid, but something to embrace more fully.
This takes time. It takes patience. Just as Mary reflected when the angel Gabriel spoke to her, it may take time for us to ponder and understand the meaning of events. Often, their significance only becomes clear later in life. So, it is with us.
This is God’s will.
As Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
This is God’s will.
Journal and reflect on the following
When in my life have I realized that I am not in control, and how did I respond?
Do I tend to react with anger, resistance, or trust when unexpected events occur?
How might I begin to see challenges not as problems but as possible blessings in disguise?
In what ways have I experienced God transforming my heart through difficult circumstances?
How does Mary’s example of pondering and reflecting on life’s events inspire my own patience and faith?
What does it mean for me personally to pray, “Not my will, but Yours be done”?
How can I open myself more fully to God’s will in the present moment rather than trying to control the future?
Discuss
Song - Thy Will
Closing Prayer
Loving God, we thank You for the gift of life with all its twists and turns. When we are tempted to control what is beyond us, remind us to surrender and trust in Your will. Teach us to see blessings even in disguise, to respond not with anger but with faith, and to open our hearts to the grace of each moment. Like Mary, may we ponder and reflect, waiting patiently for Your plan to unfold, and like Jesus may we always pray, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” Amen.
(Audio Available)
