How to cope when there’s so much you can’t control or influence

By Dean Collins

How do you move forward when you have so many things you cannot control or mitigate?

During the pandemic (and I suspect this will still be true in the post-pandemic world) leaders of organizations, churches, communities, and families all tried to answer the question. Of course, the question was also relevant before the pandemic, but lately it seems more urgent.

The truth is, some of our problems and challenges we created. Other problems came directly from the pandemic, and some or most originate from a combination of factors. And, regardless of where the problems originated, they still need solutions.

Focus on the mission

In situations like these, good leaders remember they must stay focused on the mission, regardless of what problems and obstacles are in the way. The apostle Paul is a good example of mission focus over everything else. Even as Paul navigated the intersection of overly zealous religious leaders and proud politicians, he stayed focused on the gospel and making sure it advanced. Paul demonstrated wisdom and wit as he dealt with the life-threatening situations recorded in the last several chapters of Acts.

Bound for flogging, Paul asked the centurion if they usually flogged a Roman citizen before a trial. And this well-played card extended his life and gave Paul more opportunity to continue his mission.

When brought before the high priest, he realized the room was filled with both Sadducees and Pharisees. Knowing that these Jews couldn’t agree on the resurrection of the dead, he said he was on trial for his beliefs about the resurrection. His comment stirred up the crowd and changed the focus off him long enough that some wanted to drop the charges against him. The heated discussion became violent, and the Roman soldiers now became his protectors when just hours ago they were about to kill him.

Use the systems

Paul used the dysfunction of both the religious and political systems to his advantage. This allowed not just an extension of his life, but also gave him further opportunity to share the good news with the governor, the king, and their families. Ultimately, Paul’s difficult circumstances led him all the way to Rome where, even from prison, he continued his work writing several letters that nearly 2,000 years later give us great hope and encouragement.

As we see the story recorded in Scripture, we discover that Paul knew his mission and he never wavered from it. It’s also clear Paul had no idea where God would lead him or how his needs would be supplied. He prayed, he did his job, he watched for how and where the Holy Spirit would lead him, and then he followed. Paul trusted God with the outcomes and the timing. He was simply focused on the mission.

Demonstrate faithfulness

When we follow Paul’s example we will likely have a similar path. It may not include prison and stoning, but it will include unique and sometimes extreme challenges. So what do we do when we can’t control the situation or see the next step forward? We remain grateful for God’s presence in the current moment, and we share the love of Jesus with those around us. When we demonstrate faithfulness through our circumstances, God is glorified and ultimately his Kingdom mission will advance in ways we could never have imagined!

Your time with God’s Word
‭‭Acts‬ ‭22:22-30; 23:2-17, 22‬; 24:22-27; ‭‭26:19-32 ESV‬‬

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

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