“Out of control” might aptly sum up the state of affairs that surrounds us. So much we face we have little, or no control of. Adversity comes unannounced. Bad news abounds. Others are making decisions that impact us that are outside our ability to change. Many are losing heart.

But listen a moment to the words of Henry Ford.  “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.”

You may not be able to control the winds coming your way, however, you can control how you respond. Our attitude can determine whether the wind beats us down or lifts us up. It’s not what’s happening that makes the difference. It’s how we respond to what’s happening.

Matthew Henry, the famous scholar, was once accosted by thieves and robbed of his purse.  He wrote these words in his diary: “Let me be thankful first, because I was never robbed before; second, because, although they took my purse, they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, and not I who robbed.”

What an attitude!

The Apostle Paul expressed that same kind of attitude in Philippians 1:12-14. “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”

I would encourage you to face the winds that are blowing in your life right now, and lift up your head, knowing that while you may not be able to control what is around you, God is in control, and He will provide. He provides equally in times of stress as well as in times of ease.

Mike Edge, Wisconsin Conference President