His Way Rules

Being a goal-driven, strategic thinker and planner, it’s hard for me when things don’t go like I planned. I know it’s impossible to control every situation, but I try to make sure my goals and vision are met and there’s a positive Kingdom outcome.

When I was younger, I had a tendency to let everyone know my displeasure when things didn’t work out as I hoped. Grumbling loudly and letting others know their efforts were not up to my expectations was par for the course when the results of a ministry event didn’t match my expectations. Again, I was young and needed to learn diplomacy and flexibility.

It’s like the old McDonald’s jingle: “Hold the pickles. Hold the lettuce. Special orders don’t upset us.” How long would this fast food icon be in business if it refused to hold the ketchup? Or worse yet, if the person taking your order threw a big fit and told you ketchup comes standard on every burger, so you can take it or leave it. I’d leave it, and so would you.

When Christians throw a galactic fit, get angry or show disappointment by grumbling against others, and even God, we are a poor witness for the Kingdom. Who would want to be a Christian if we talk each other down and act like babies when things don’t work out perfectly?

I have news for you. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be submitted to the will of God. It doesn’t always have to be your way, but it does have to be God’s way to be successful.

Like I always say, “Blessed are the flexible.” How many uncomfortable situations could you have found peace in if you would just adopt this principle of thinking and leave the results of your efforts up to God?