Most of us think of our lives as interactions with people—family, friends, colleagues, and society at large. But what if we changed our perspective and viewed life itself as an ongoing interaction with God? This simple yet powerful shift alters how we interpret our daily experiences, whether joyful or painful.
People as Channels, Not Sources
When I say that life is an interaction with God, it means that the people around me—my family, friends, neighbors, even strangers—are not the ultimate sources of what happens in my life. They are channels through which God allows different events and experiences to reach me. Every joy, every hardship, every opportunity or setback comes into my life not because of them by themselves, but because God willed it so.
This perspective eliminates the illusion that others control my destiny. They may influence my story, but the true Author is God.
The Uncontrollable Flow of Events
None of us has power over which situations happen—whether it’s a success, a loss, a celebration, or a trial. These are outside our control. They unfold only with God’s permission and design. Recognizing this truth brings humility and frees us from the exhausting effort of trying to control the uncontrollable.
The Real Test: My Response
If events are beyond my control, then where does my responsibility lie? In my response. My spiritual growth does not depend on how smooth or tough my circumstances are, but on how I respond to them.
Every situation presents an opportunity.
- Joy leads me to gratitude.
- Grief urges me to be patient.
- Conflict calls me toward justice and forgiveness.
- Uncertainty urges me to trust in God.
In each case, the real interaction is not with the person in front of me but with God who allowed that moment to happen in my life.
Growing Closer to God
Seen this way, life stops feeling like a random series of highs and lows and instead becomes a meaningful conversation with the Divine. My choices—my patience, gratitude, honesty, and compassion—are my ways of responding to Him. And with each genuine response, I move closer to His presence.
Reflection Prompts for Daily Life
- When something upsets me today, can I pause and ask: “What response would bring me closer to God in this moment?”
- When I feel grateful for something, do I remember to acknowledge the true Giver behind it, not just the person through whom it came?
- When faced with conflict, can I see it not as a battle with another person but as a test from God to practice patience, fairness, or forgiveness?
- At the end of the day, can I look back and identify one moment where I responded in a way that honored God, and one where I need to improve tomorrow?