“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

This morning I awoke to what sounded like gunshots. I jumped up confused, hearing thudding sounds like bodies falling and an unbelievable racket. Then I remembered . . . the roofers are here. Somehow I slept through the noise of trucks arriving and nine men climbing ladders up the sides of my home. It was quite a rude awakening.

I feel like that’s what’s happening to many people around the world now. They’re coming to understand that while they’ve been sleeping, unseen forces have been silently erecting policies and plans that cause untold damage and devastation. It’s always shocking to learn how little control we actually have over our own lives.

In one day, government can shut down our businesses and politicians can decide to restrict our freedom of movement. People are lashing out, violence, fear and uncertainty are becoming part of our “new normal.” But the truth is, it’s always been this way.

The reason my roof is being replaced is because I live in “Hurricane Alley” and storm season is upon us. Two years ago, Florence landed here as a Category 2 storm and we breezed through it with no problem. This February, we had a little, two-day wind event. It came out of nowhere and we got no warning. Sometimes the little things make a bigger impact.

When I decided to buy here, I furnished my new home knowing that everything I selected might one day be blown away. I had to be ok with that and learn to live with an open-handed mindset. And I didn’t let fear guide the decision. I decided to trust God to see us through the storms.

When we pin our hopes on people or put our faith in government, we miss out on true freedom. We trade peace of mind and heart for fear and worry.

When he sent his disciples out to proclaim the kingdom of Heaven, Jesus told them the truth about persecution, people, and politicians. He reassured them that even sparrows didn’t fall from the sky without God’s permission. He said, “Even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:30-31

No matter what’s happening politically, we can move forward in faith, knowing that our Heavenly Father only has good plans for us!