Don’t Worry, I’ll Fix IT

I‘m a fixer. I fix things. It’s what I do. Someone’s got a problem? Tell me, and I’ll fix it. My friends even gave me the nickname “Miss Fix It” in high school. This personality trait can get me into trouble, however. I have the tendency to attempt to solve the problem immediately in a manner I think is best instead of consulting the Ultimate Fixer, God. I can be impatient, determined that the problem must be solved ASAP, and convinced that my way is clearly the best.

Abraham’s wife Sarah and I have this trait in common. God told Abraham and Sarah that their descendants would be as numerous as the stars, despite the fact that they were both very old and childless at the time. We then learn in Genesis 16 that Sarah took the matter into her own hands and tried to fix it. She sent her slave, Hagar, into her husband’s arms: “Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her” (Genesis 16:2b).

Notice the keyword “I” in that verse. Long story short, this plan didn’t work out. The results of that decision included hostility, catfights, and homelessness. We may not have much patience, but thankfully our sovereign Lord does. He has the patience to let us make mistakes but receive us with open arms afterwards. Even though Sarah tried to fix it, God still blessed her with a son, and her and Abraham’s descendants are indeed as numerous as the stars.

As I’ve gotten older and tried to fix oh-so-many things, I’ve learned that life is a lot easier if I sit in the back seat and let God be the driver. He doesn’t even need me to be the navigator! I can take a nap, drink a Coke, listen to music, and do whatever I want (I’d probably choose the nap option, to be honest). And, that’s not a bad way to live. Consider Jesus’s own words in Matthew 11:28-30, and let His peace wash over you:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

The Message translates the last part of verse 30 like this: “Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Wow, what a concept! The Creator of the universe doesn’t need me to fix it . . .