Chasing Butterflies

Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside of his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. — Hebrews 2:8 / ESV

The alarm goes off. I open my eyes and hit the snooze button, allowing myself a few more minutes of rest. What feels like seconds later, the buzzer sounds again. l turn off the alarm and get out of bed—five decisions made within the first minutes of my waking hours. If we do the math, we’ll find that we make approximately 35,000 decisions during the day, according to Harvard Business Review (2023).

How do we spend the sixteen to eighteen waking hours we’re given? I use the clock to manage my day. This creates the illusion of having control over time. However, thinking I’m in control is like chasing butterflies without a net. At best, it’s an elusive endeavor.

We make choices every day, but we don’t have control over illnesses or the loss of loved ones. We can’t control the person who cuts in line at the grocery store any more than we can control the drunk driver who is reeling down the freeway. It’s a relief that humans aren’t the ones controlling the universe. This clearly would be a bad idea. Hebrews 2:8 describes that everything is in the hands of God, and we’re not in control.

Throughout my life I’ve experienced seasons of struggling. As time passes, weariness sets in, and it becomes difficult to persevere. I’ve gone through storms that have rattled my faith. It’s tough to rely on God when nothing makes sense. That’s when I must ask Him to strengthen my faith and and increase my trust. 

The scripture in Hebrews 2:8 explains that while we’re going through life, we don’t always see everything under God’s control.

Yet, Deuteronomy 3:22 tells us, “Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you” (NIV). This informs my heart that God’s word is His promise that, although it may not seem like it, He is always in control.

Points to Ponder

Remember, everything is under God’s authority, and He fights for us.

●      In seasons of struggling, how has the Lord fought for you?

●      What makes you feel like you’re chasing butterflies without a net?