COVID Lesson 6 : We're Not in Control

“Form a plan, it shall be thwarted; make a resolve, it shall not be carried out. For God is with us” Is. 8:10

I plan to create a basketball board yesterday morning.
But the kids made me sit down and watch Jurassic World with them. Actually, we watched the movie already a lot of times.
But it's only yesterday that I learned the lesson of the story well – We’re NOT in control!


According to one of its characters, Simon Masrani (the owner of the Jurassic Word) “The key to a happy life is to accept that you are never actually in control!”
This I believe, is also what COVID wants to teach us.
We’re NOT in control!


My sister booked her flight going back here in the Philippines- cancelled!
Our school scheduled our final examinations this week- cancelled!
I supposed to give a Lenten recollection this coming weekend- cancelled!
Our graduation is already set on April 3- cancelled!

A mother’s first birthday party for her son – cancelled!
A boy’s first anniversary date with his girlfriend – cancelled!
A business man opening his new restaurant branch- cancelled!
A devotee’s plan to visit churches this coming holy week-cancelled!


What are your plans/activities that has been cancelled due to COVID? I’m very sure, you have yours.
We plan, we prepare, we predict and so we try to manipulate.
That’s why we create high-technologies (like in Jurassic World) - To CONTROL EVERYTHING.

It will NEVER HAPPEN! (Cause the truth is, we cannot even fully control ourselves) We want things and even people (very sad) to go always our way. We would like to be the Alpha (the one controlling the dinosaurs) and even the Omega.
But again, COVID is reminding us.
We’re NOT in control.


The bible said:
“Form a plan, it shall be thwarted; make a resolve, it shall not be carried out. For God is with us” Is. 8:10

Yes, we’re not in control. God is.
Yes, we’re not the owners of this world. God is.
We’re not the Alpha and the Omega. God is.




Let us now learn not to depend much on our technologies.
Instead, let us always learn to be humble and still ask God to bless our plans.
He says: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Prob.16:9

And from the beginning to the completion of our activities- whether we’re successful or not. Let us learn to submit our free will to God’s eternal will.

Actually, this is what Jesus did:
“My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” Mt. 26:42


Let us follow Jesus and pray (silence)

Generous Father.
We thank you for today.
Thank you for giving us meals to share.
And for giving us health to enjoy.
Help us to use these blessings according to your will, not according to our ways. Help us to trust in you more in this moment of uncertainty. Help us to adjust.
Help us really to pray- May your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name, Amen!


Guide questions for reflection:

1. Is there someone / something in my life I want to control? What do I feel whenever I feel I’m not in control of him/her/it?

2. What do I usually do if I lost control of him/her/it?

3. What is God’s message for me in these situations?


P.S. But maybe you ask? If God is in control, why is He not just stop everything? Is He allowing these things to punish us? These and more we reflect in the upcoming COVID lessons. Until we meet again. Stay safe and stay in faith!