When Things Go Wrong

Elvis Presley is credited with saying, “When things go wrong, don’t go with them.” Such a simple, yet eye-opening statement.

I skimmed over this sentence the first time I read it and my mind flitted right past it to its next thought. But something (the Holy Spirit?) prompted me to go back and read it again and again, allowing it to penetrate my mind and heart.

I wish I could say that I never go with the things that go wrong, but I do. In the past, I had a 100% success rate of following the things that go wrong! (That’s not exactly something to brag about.) Now, my success rate is probably about 60% of following the things that go wrong, and 40% of turning those situations over to God. (Still not bragging!) That is what we are supposed to do – turn all of those things that go wrong over to God.

So if we are supposed to turn all of those things over to God, why don’t we? Or better said, why don’t I?

When something goes wrong in my life – minor or major problem – the conversation sometimes goes like this:

Carnal Edwina: “Oh great! Another problem!”

Spiritual Edwina: “It’s not a problem.”

Carnal Edwina: “Oh??? Who made you the expert?”

Spiritual Edwina: “No one. I just know that you can turn this over to God…”

Carnal Edwina: “He doesn’t want to mess with this stupid little problem.”

Spiritual Edwina: “Of course He does. He loves you and whatever concerns you concerns Him. Wait a minute. It’s not that you think He doesn’t want to 'mess with this stupid little problem,' you think He can’t solve this problem or He won’t.”

BUSTED!!

Why do I think that God can’t or won’t solve my problems? Or give me the wisdom and direction on what to do about said problems? Do I think He is not capable? Do I believe He is not wise enough? Or is it that I want the problem resolved in a certain way by a certain time and I think He will not solve it to my satisfaction? And if that’s the case, who am I to think that I know better than God?

The Scripture says "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Is. 55:8-9) Of course, I don’t know better than God. His desires for me and for you far exceed anything we could possibly want or dream.

Beginning today, and every day hereafter, when things go wrong, I am determined I will not follow them but rather will look to Jesus for wisdom and guidance.

What do you do when things go wrong? Feel free to leave your comments!