National I-am-in-Control Day
A Note from Pastor Mark
Today, March 30th is National I-am-in-Control Day. Really! I couldn’t possibly make this up! It began 41 years ago when the President of the United States was rushed to surgery with a bullet lodged in his lung. In the middle of that terror-filled moment with President Reagan in mortal danger, Secretary of State Alexander Haig spoke out. “As of now, I am in control here at the White House.”
This statement spoken to give confidence to the nation was widely criticized. Later the Secretary of State explained that he was only communicating that he was in charge while the Vice President was in route. But the whole event reminds us that life can change in an instant. What seemed to be a rather ordinary day became a critical and uncertain moment for the Commander-in-Chief…and our nation.
Many times—especially during a crisis—we try to take control of our lives. But even if there is a National Day to celebrate our “control,” deep down we know that our direction is uncertain. Our inability to order our future should make us stop and consider the Lord. Sadly, many confident people plan their lives and miss their vital need for a Savior. Consider this practical application from the Lord.
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” (James 5:13-14)
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