Due To Circumstances Beyond Our Control

Like some others around the world, the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, have captured my attention even though they are actually being held in 2021.  This global event serves up a steady diet of the "thrill of victory and the agony of defeat."

One of the constant threads woven through interviews with the athletes is how their preparation for this year's competition has included major uncertainty ... whether there would even be the opportunity to compete ... or if there would be protocols to avoid the virus ... of if they would catch COVID 19 and see their years of preparation evaporate without a chance to show the world what they could do ... or if spectators would be allowed to physically watch the competition ... or so many other uncertainties.

I've discovered that life, in so many ways, seems to have been greatly altered without our permission.  Life has changed due to circumstances beyond our control.

The last time I was physically in Uganda was December 2019, nearly two years ago.  Pam and I have had at least three flights canceled or changed due to circumstances beyond our control.  This is a graphic change from the pattern we established over the previous 15 years.  Previously, when we were back in the States we were always planning for our next return to Uganda in three to four months.  It was all about preparation for our return.  However, if we have learned anything during these past 20 months is that our lives will never resemble that pattern.  We have few answers to so many questions.

Our lives haven't been as we would have preferred ... due to circumstances beyond our control.  However, behind all the circumstances, we recognize the presence of God and His guidance in our lives.  Due to circumstances beyond OUR control, He has advanced the work of Next Generations Ministries beyond our imagination.

Though we have experienced challenges here in America, the challenge has been far more severe for those in our home away from home.  Uganda has just exited nearly 50 days of lockdown.  But the removal of the lockdown a few days ago did not return the nation to normal.  Yes, the lockdown was lifted but only with strict measures.  Life remains a very difficult challenge ...

• 7:00 PM thru 5:30 AM curfew
• Boda bodas allowed carrying only one passenger both wearing masks
• Roadside vending in business is prohibited
• Malls, arcades, and other businesses reopened with compliance to COVID 19 SOPs
• Weddings and Burials must not exceed 20 people
• Places of worship remained closed until further notice
• Jogging is allowed but only with masks
• Concerts, events, and parties remain prohibited
• Bars remain closed
• Restaurants and salons can be reopened under strict observance of SOPs
• Schools remain closed with the advice of virtual studies
• Private cars allowed with a maximum of three people including driver
• Public transportation will reopen with half capacity with review in two weeks.  NO air conditioning in public vehicles

For a nation that depends primarily on public transportation and finding food on a daily basis, the consequences of the lockdown are severe and have resulted in some deaths by starvation.  The national response to the crisis initiated by President Museveni was for a national day of prayer.  Circumstances beyond our control can create an awareness of a need for God.  Life has been far from easy ... in a nation that wasn't all that easy before lockdown.

This morning I read Psalm 90 to my wife and lifelong girlfriend, Pam.  It is a song that revolves around the brevity of life.  Most people are given around 70 years of life, maybe 80, the song writes.  The appeal is that we would learn to number our days and that we would be satisfied each morning with God's steadfast love ... even that God would establish the work of our hands.

Luke Bryan, the country singer, and judge on American Idol graced the cover of People magazine this week.  After experiencing severe tragedies over the past 25 years he concluded "we're not promised another day."

Due to circumstances beyond our control ... 

Control is an illusion.  Mankind has never been in control.  We have been given the power of choice.  But it is within the context of circumstances that are beyond our control.

Consequently, the songwriter of Psalm 90 writes "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."  The lyrics of this song are themselves wise and life-giving.

Realisticly, it's a relief to know that no human being is in control.  What a joy to realize God is in charge and was the One who made us free to choose how we respond to the circumstance in which we always find ourselves.

For me personally, the benefit of circumstances beyond my control for the past 18 months is that the staff has taken the work of Next Generation Ministries far beyond what I could ever hope or imagine.  In one very true sense, "they don't need me" there on that side of the world to carry out the vision God gave the organization to Change Uganda One Person At A Time.

Relax ... due to circumstances beyond your control.