It's been a strange summer. The weather has been predictably unpredictable, as is common here in North Carolina. But there's been a new twist this year. From day to day, the air quality has been variable. Wildfire smoke, drifting down from Canada, has affected the air we're breathing several times already this summer. There's been a noticeable smell, and a distinct haze, in the air on certain days. You can almost taste the smoke in the air at times! Perhaps the wildfire smoke has affected your outdoor activities this summer, or caused you a measure of concern. Perhaps not.

It’s remarkable, though, just how many worldly factors and events do impact our lives every day. If it’s not one thing, it’s something else. We all love to maintain a sense of control in our own lives; but the reality is that brand-new troubles and unexpected concerns can come drifting our way at any time. Just like the wildfire smoke this summer!

So what’s going to happen next this summer? What strange new twist will we all have to experience? Or what anticipated bump in the road lies ahead for you?

None of us knows the future, but people of faith know the God who controls the future. Nothing happens in this world without God’s foreknowledge. Nothing happens to you and me in this life that is beyond God’s control. Nothing drifts through the air, or impacts our lives in any way, that God does not see and understand.

The Lord doesn’t send every little thing that affects our lives, or directly make it happen. But he sees it all, works for our good through it all and despite it all, and ultimately controls the final pattern of our lives.

Yes, it’s been a strange summer thus far. So turn in faith and trust every single day to the God who controls the universe, who rules your life with love and wisdom, who has your eternal destiny in the palm of his hand. Enjoy the rest of your summer, knowing who really is in control!

In Christ,

Pastor Wayne Puts