When we face a roadblock, obstacle, or challenge in life, we often respond in one of three ways: worry, work, or trust.
Worry
This is the easiest and most instinctive response. We worry about what tomorrow will bring, what next week holds, or what disasters might come years from now. We imagine worst-case scenarios, letting fear take the wheel. But as Jesus reminds us, “Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life span?” (Matthew 6:27). Worry drains us—it never solves the problem.
Work
Other times, we jump straight into action mode. This isn’t necessarily bad—God calls us to be active participants in our lives. But there’s a difference between taking faithful action and trying to control everything ourselves.
It’s like the story of the man stranded on his rooftop as floodwaters rise. When a boat comes, he refuses, saying, “God will save me.” A helicopter arrives, and again he declines, waiting for divine intervention. In the end, he drowns—only to ask God in heaven why He didn’t save him. God replies, “I sent you a boat. I sent you a helicopter.”
God often provides opportunities and means for us to act, but we must discern: Are we working out of trust, or are we working out of fear? Are we taking the next right step, or are we trying to control the outcome?
Trust
No matter the situation, trust must be our foundation. Whether God is calling us to action or to patience, trust is always the right response.
The Surrender Novena offers a simple but powerful prayer:
"Jesus, I surrender myself to You. Take care of everything."
Imagine facing your next challenge with those words on your heart. What would change?
Worry keeps us stuck. Work has its place. But trust—trust allows us to walk forward in peace, knowing that God is in control.