I was late for work for the first time. Something I never wanted or thought would happen, at least not six months after getting hired at my new job. Did I have a legitimate excuse?

My only excuse was that my three alarms did not ring. Shocking? Indeed, but it was the truth. Later on I read an article stating that similar problems arose due to the phone company’s technical issues. What a relief it was to know that I wasn’t the only one with this problem.

This did not change the fact that I was late to work. Our human nature will tend to react various ways on such occasions.

Although this is not the case for everyone, our sinful mindset would easily complain, argue, and even blame God. Such reaction is very common due to our sinful way of living.

An implication as a result of the fall of man is blaming others; such was the case with Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:12-13). On the other hand, anger does not produce, show, or display the righteousness of God (James 1:20). Instead what I did was praise and thank God. Why? God is sovereign. He is in complete control and in full authority over all His creation. Even the smaller details, such as alarms not ringing, are in fact under the sovereignty of God.

For some reason, intent, and purpose, God allowed this incident to occur. God is omniscient, meaning He is all knowing. While I was still at my present, surprised by the situation, God was already in the future looking out for my best. Why did this happen? The answer may be unknown, but God allowed it. Therefore God does according to his good and perfect will. He does so for the benefit of His people and for the glory of His name. God is gracious, loving, and merciful. He deserves our praise, honor, and trust. Even when the circumstances are not what we hope them to be, God is still God. He is in control of all things past, present, and future.

Reflection

Unexpected events occur all the time. The important thing is to act wisely, give thanks, and honor God. Only in His word alone, we will find the heavenly wisdom to act according to His will. Then, His truth will bear the fruit in our lives.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).