Late in my career, I was surprised when one of my staff members commented about how often I used the phrase, “we’ll figure it out.” Today, a little more than 3 years after retiring, a former co-worker called me with a question. As we spoke, I used the phrase and laughter came from the other end of the phone line.

“We’ll figure it out.”

I don’t remember when I learned to say that. It was after I was given the “big job” and realized how my words and reactions to a crisis could impact the actions and attitudes of others. I may have learned it from one of the amazing leaders I got to watch over my 30 plus years of working in the Navy. Or, maybe my parents used it.

To be honest, I have said it more times than I believed it. Yep, sometimes leaders are faking it.

Joseph (the earthly father of Jesus) had a visit from the angel. His fiancé was pregnant and he had had nothing to do with it. I have a feeling that before it was all over, Joseph said “We’ll figure it out.”

The critical issue is the “we” in the statement.

If “we” means “me”, I know I am sunk. And, if “we” means you and me, then “we” are in big trouble!!

Remember the old “Shake and Bake” commercial? The woman explains that they made the tasty chicken and the cute little girl chimes in “And, I helped.” Watching the commercial, we assumed that the child shook the sealed bag of coating and chicken but that that effort wasn’t really required as Mom did all of the important work (including ensuring that the chicken had been sufficiently coated.)

When I say “we’ll figure it out”, it means that I know that God has a plan already prepared; He will reveal it to me when I need to know it. And, if He lets me, I will get to help.

We have just 10 days until Christmas. Here’s the best gift I can offer to you – take your hands off the controls and sit back and learn to trust God. When the crisis comes your way, rest easy and know that “we’ll figure it out” means you really don’t have to do anything except to watch and obey. And, the answers will come. He’s got it all figured out!

Let’s read Joseph’s story again:

Matthew 1:18-25: This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

I have a feeling that more than once Joseph looked at Mary and said “We’ll figure it out” knowing all the time that the “we” included God Himself.

Don’t worry about what is ahead! We’ll figure it out!!

Love,

Jill (just one of God’s kids)