According to this week's news reports, you had better not die in southwest France.  The village in question has run out of space in the local cemetery.  So the mayor has told his residents, "All persons not having a plot in the cemetery and wishing to be buried are forbidden from dying in the parish."  He adds, "Offenders will be severely punished."  You've been warned.

There are some things you can't do much about.  Whether you're happy, sad, or indifferent about this week's election results in Texas and elsewhere, there's not a lot about the presidential primaries you can change today.  Economists are debating whether we're in a recession, heading into one, or avoiding one, but most of us don't get a vote on the question.

It is frustrating to live with circumstances beyond your control.  A boss you can't fire; a health condition you can't heal; a struggle in your family you can't solve, a temptation you can't defeat.  As time goes on you begin to wonder if things will ever get better, if there's a reason for any of this and a purpose on the other side.

Today's text tells us that we are more than conquerors in the hardest places of life.  We will learn again this week that God redeems all he allows.  We will learn why, for what purpose, to what end.  And we will choose whether or not to cooperate.  I hope you'll choose wisely.  What struggle do you need God to redeem this morning?