As our country goes through some turbulent times, some may ask, "Where is God in all this?" Let me reassure you and challenge you at the same time.

God is here. God loves you. He is in ultimate control and works all things for the good of those that love Him and are called according to His purpose.

God also gave us the gift of free will. We are free to act the way He would like, and we are free to make the devil smile. Our call.

Some are quick to say God did this, or God did that, when in all actuality man did this, and man did that.

God did not give us the corona virus. God didn't make sure grandma got it and didn't make it. God didn't lock down your business and/or cause you unbearable financial hardship. God didn't create the political divisions that are killing our country. God doesn't cause riots and turmoil. God certainly did not close your church!!

Man did all of that!!

What God did do and continues to do is to get His people though all of it. God gives us wisdom (just ask) God bestows His grace when we certainly don't deserve it. God gives us the ability to see the picture if we would just stop, pause, and look!

God gives us the faith to trust in Him for all our needs. We need to work on that faith and build it so it is there when we need it. We may think we are faithful people, but if it isn't there when we need it, was it ever there? Or was our faith in ourselves, thinking that we are good people so bad stuff shouldn't happen to us?

Let's turn our eyes to the One who loves and cares about us more than anyone. Let's turn our minds to the One who has always been there since we were even a thought. If we can step back and look at the big picture, not at the big picture of earth and all it's troubles, but the big picture of what and who matters the most, God, then we will see a peace that passes all understanding. That is when we can wake up and welcome the day instead of dread it.

Change your perspective. Change your demeanor. Change your focus. When you pause and give your spirit to all that, you will find that peace. You won't stress over the news of the day. Because God is good. God loves you. And God's got you!!