Spinning out of Control

 I assume everyone knows what a fidget spinner is. If not, I will try to explain what they are. A fidget spinner is a toy that consists of a ball bearing in the center of a multi-pronged (typically two or three) flat structure made from metal or plastic designed to spin along its axis with little effort. Give a fidget spinner a spin or push and they spin for what seems like an eternity without having to help them continue spinning. They will eventually slow down but not right away. You can stop them by placing your finger between the blades or grabbing a prong. They can be controlled.

When life spins out of control wouldn't it be nice if we could control it like a fidget spinner, grab a hold of life, stop it, then start it back again? The good news is we don't have to let life's uncertainties get the best of us because God is in control. God knows what the future holds and what we need every day. God knows how to help us survive the spinning, no matter how bad things spin out of control.

Fidget spinners seem to defy the laws of science. There is something soothing about watching them spin away. They can calm us down when we are feeling stressed, but they can't completely take away the stress.

Joseph thought his life was out of control until he met the Pharaoh. Then he realized he was right where he was supposed to be. God gave Joseph the gift of interpretation and was able to interpret Pharaoh's terrible dream. Joseph was able to not only save the Pharaoh but also his family that sold him as a slave. Even though Joseph thought his life was out of control, God was directing him the entire time.

In this season of change we may feel like life is out of control. Maybe you are going through changes at work, a loved one that is sick, a child starting a new grade with new teachers, or a new school. Maybe it is the changes coming to Jacksonville FUMC, just remember that God is in control. Trouble can come out of nowhere, it can happen overnight. Just like the fidget spinner it can send you for a loop, and there's nothing we can do to stop it. God knows our frustrations and what is causing our pain and stress. He knows what we need and what will get us through. All we have to do is ask God for help. When we ask, God will answer. God may not stop the spinning as soon as we would like, but God will gives the strength and the faith we need every day to handle what comes. God will use these tough times to strengthen our faith. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. In all your ways obey him. Then he will make your paths smooth and straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Stephanie Dunn
 
Christian Education Coordinator