God and the “Little Things”
God and the “Little Things”
People often ask me, “Joni, how does the devil get to you? What kind of fiery darts really get under your skin?”
I’m not sure if folks expect a laundry list of vices and temptations, but what I tell them most often is this: Satan digs at me hardest when things break down.
My comfort and independence rest heavily on bits and pieces of adaptive equipment. When that equipment fails—a buckle on a corset snap or a clamp on a leg bag or a tire on a wheelchair—well, it really gets to me.
I was explaining that to a friend not long ago.
We wrapped up our conversation as I wheeled into my van. I cranked the engine and was just about to push the control to close the electric-powered door, when my friend reached over, grabbed the handle, and slammed the door shut.
A friendly gesture. One that anybody might do as you’re saying goodbye. My car door, however, is loaded with fragile chains and springs and switches. With one good yank from my “helpful” friend—and before I could cry “Stop!”—the door chain snapped.
He was thoroughly embarrassed and I was almost irritated. But we both laughed over our reactions.
You probably feel the same way when your washing machine gets rusty joints, when the printer on your computer freezes up, or your car’s air conditioner takes a vacation. Take heart! If God can make axheads float as He did in 2 Kings 6, or if He can cause the wheels to fall off Egyptian chariots as He did in Exodus 15, then God must be in control of the springs and hinges and widgets and all the rest of those little mechanical doodads that seem to break down at the wrong time.
The Bible makes it clear God’s control extends beyond the “big things” of life, like our dreams and destiny. We all know the Lord has His hand in those monumental decisions of our lives. But Scripture also tells us the Lord gets down into the nuts and bolts of little things.
I’m trying hard to remember that whenever my wheelchair batteries konk out on me, leaving me stranded where I don’t want to be. I’m trying to remember to have a good attitude about those kinds of things, to remember that God is still in control.
The next time you have to call a plumber or have a mechanic look under your hood, remember that the King’s sovereignty extends to such lowly, utilitarian objects like refrigerators, toasters, transistors, and oil filters. Even in these, He is Lord.
So hang in there. Be patient. Call a handyman. Pay the bill.
But trust God.