Grace? What's That?: Devotions from Time of GraceSample

Last word

When there are two or more strong-willed people in a family, there is often a struggle over who gets the last word. It’s a control game--even when you yield, you’re only pretending to yield if you can get in one last shot, one last attempt to control the discussion.

I don’t like it when I get one-upped by my family and friends. But I will tell you that I am delighted and relieved and totally fine with my God’s having the last word in my life. I try to make myself useful to him, make good plans, take risks, buy, sell, build, save, invest, and organize. But I know myself well enough by now to know that there are streaks of selfishness, blindness, and foolishness in all I do.

This word from the Word gives me comfort: “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). God is my safety net. He is the executive director of my play. He is my backstop, umpire, and best friend. I can’t wait to thank him face-to-face.

In the meantime, I can go forward, knowing that he gets the last word in all I do. You can too. No fear.