The employees whispered among themselves. They had secret meetings, a constant text thread, and emails about how things they didn’t like about the company should be changed. They criticized those in charge and decided they had the solution to every problem.
Their little covert operation went well until their list of grievances fell into the wrong hands—the boss. He called a staff meeting where he gave his simple but firm response: “I appreciate your concerns, but I do not agree with your ideas. And by the way, the buck stops here … with me. Any questions?”
The story made me wonder how often we do the same with God. Proverbs says, We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. In other words, we can complain, strategize, and come up with a list of what we think God should do, trying to direct Him instead of trusting Him. We pray about a situation, then proceed to tell Him how and when He should take care of it.
The truth is God knows what’s best in every situation we face. His thoughts and ways are so much higher and better than our own. He knows the end from the beginning and everything in between. He has (and is) the answer to every question and the solution to every problem.
Cast your cares on the Lord. Give Him your problems, then trust Him. And remember, the buck stops with Him.
Andrea Merrell is an award-winning author and professional freelance editor. She is an associate editor with Christian Devotions Ministries and former associate editor with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and Iron Stream Media. Andrea is the author of Murder of a Manuscript: Writing and Editing Tips to Keep Your Book Out of the Editorial Graveyard, Praying for the Prodigal, and Marriage: Make It or Break It. She has been published in numerous anthologies and online venues and teaches workshops on writing and editing. You’re invited to subscribe to her weekly devotions at www.AndreaMerrell.com or visit www.TheWriteEditing.com, a blog designed specifically for writers and editors.