2026: It's Been Handled
Photo image courtesy Pixabay
I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.
-- Isaiah 46:10 (NIV)
My family affectionately referred to my mom’s brother, who outlived all nine siblings, as Uncle L, short for Lewis. He came to Christ as an adult and then served as a faithful elder in his Kentucky church for 40 years. You couldn’t ask for a more enthusiastic Christian.
After his passing, my aunt worried about leaving him overnight in his casket at the church following the viewing for the funeral next day.
One of my cousins replied, “Mom, Daddy couldn’t be happier than being in church all night long!”
At his funeral, a son-in-law related a story about them repairing a driveway bridge over the creek that ran nearby. A recent flood had damaged the structure, and one piece of metal was bent upward into the air. “L, how are we going to get rid of that metal?”
Uncle L kept hammering on the board he was fixing.
L’s standard reply to worry or problems came: “It’s been handled.”
Talk about a rock-solid faith in Jesus.
As they were almost done, that troublesome piece of metal remained. Uncle L lived right next to the parkway. The sound of a heavy truck in trouble blasted across the backyard as the driver pulled over into the breakdown lane.
Uncle L and my cousin’s husband ran over to the fence. “Do you need some help?” L asked.
“I sure do,” the driver said.
Together, the men got the truck running. The driver asked if there was anything he could do in return. The man was a welder, and the truck had his equipment.
“There is,” Uncle L said.
The welder drove around and cut off the metal, just like that. The matter had indeed been handled, far in advance.
I’ve tried to take Uncle L’s motto as my own. When faced with difficult projects or when the odds are against success or even finishing, I remind myself, “It’s been handled.”
Long before I was born, God had planned out my entire life. If we think about what that truly means, it’s comforting. The outcome doesn’t depend on us. It’s already decided no matter which way we turn.
2026 has been handled.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21, NIV)
Questions for Reflection:
1. Make a list of things that make you the most anxious or worried for the coming year.
2. What have you tried to relieve these fears? What have you found that worked best?
3. Read the letter of Paul to the Philippians. (only four chapters!)
