Life deals us cards we never asked for. You have no control over where you were born, how wealthy your parents were, or your physical height. Your build, looks, and hair can only be manipulated in minimal ways. You may not be the smartest, have the best memory, or possess a creative gene in your body. You cannot control the opportunities that are presented to you, the way others respond to your sales pitch, or the economic benefits that come with your chosen profession. There truly is an infinite list of things in your life that are beyond your power to control.

Yet this doesn’t render us powerless, far from it.

You can control your attitude, the expression on your face, and the kindness in your voice. You can choose to show grace, mercy, and love over vengeance, revenge, and judgment. You can choose your response to everything the world throws at you. You can accept responsibility for your actions and make different choices as you learn and grow. There is an equally infinite list of things in your life that are well within your power to control.

For those who follow Christ, this power carries special significance. Rather than pointing fingers at the world’s brokenness, we’re called to be agents of transformation who bring hope, healing, and God’s goodness into every situation we encounter.