You may be favoring the company of a familiar enemy over that of an unknown friend.

I know I do.

Confused? Allow me to explain.

Both good and bad situations cross our path daily. A health diagnosis, a job opportunity, falling deeper into love, relational conflict… You name it! Often, we react to both good and bad with fear. A fear triggered by the unknown. What will happen if I confront this situation? How will the other react if I let him or her see deeper into my heart? What will surgery feel like? Will I be good enough for the new job? Of course, ultimately, we want a happy resolution. We want to come out on the other side healthier, more skilled, more loved and at peace with others. But the fear of what the happy ending may require of us often turns us toward familiar enemies. Self deprecation, self sabotage, blaming others, addictive behaviors, avoiding responsibilities… Even though they have never done anything good for us in the past, they are toxic yet well known friends. All they give us is a false sense of being in control. Sadly, we favor them over the unknown ones.

Who is that unknown friend? God.

What does He ask of us? Trust in Him.

Is He asking something of us He is not willing to do Himself? No (remember the cross?)

What is His promised happy ending? That even though there may be difficult days, when all is said and done love will reign, and because God is love and love is the source of life, all that died will be redeemed.

What’s the takeaway from all this? Don’t make foolish sacrifices. Do not sacrifice your marriage, your health, your finances, your sexuality or your relationships on the altar of false control. The enemies I mentioned above (self sabotage, blame, addictions…) while familiar, are still enemies. And enemies never want the best for me or you. Didn’t Jesus say: “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). While Jesus and what He offers may feel unfamiliar to us, it is way better than what the thief offers. Why? Simply put, because we have plenty of evidence that Jesus means what He says, and does what He says. And the best part is that his words and actions have only one agenda: giving you an eternal life of love, beauty, joy and peace.