Monday Morning Manna: Circumstances and Responses

How many times have you thought, “I wish things were different?” I confess to having that thought a few times. On one occasion, I was so disturbed about circumstances; I went to three trusted friends for advice. One of them encouraged me to stop focusing on the circumstances and start focusing on my response to them. I did not know until later (and perhaps he didn’t know either) that my friend was quoting from Epictetus, an early Stoic philosopher, who said, “We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how to respond to them.” Our circumstances, which can so easily get out of our control, range from relational, to medical, to financial, and beyond. Our responses range from pro-active, to reactive, to passive. One day Moses faced the Red Sea before him, the Egyptian army behind him, and the people complaining against him. His circumstances were almost overwhelming. That’s when he responded with, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation (deliverance) of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today” (Exodus 14:13). Next time your circumstances become overbearing, try the response of Moses. Don’t panic. Stand still. Watch the Lord work on your behalf.

Dr. Dan Crawford, Senior Professor at Southwestern Baptist Seminary, is the WestCoast Baptist Association’s Spiritual Life & Leadership Mentor. Follow Dan on Twitter @DrDanRC and Facebook www.facebook.com/dan.crawford.