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Not in Control
Tim Savage5This is what the Lord says:“Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans,who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord. Jeremiah 17
23At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. 24You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. John 16
Well, I was going to choose one or the other of these passages this morning, but after re-reading them they go together perfectly. I guess God wanted to make sure I didn’t miss this lesson this morning. I’m guilty of sometimes circumventing God and trying to muscle situations to my benefit by the force of my will. When it comes to finances or “political” situations or work situations or any number of other circumstances I can become impatient and want to help fix things. I’ll make a phone call, send an email or make a visit to try to move things along; I’ll take things in to my own hands to push or pull as needed to get the outcome I want.
I try to take control away from God and help Him with what I know He wanted for me anyway. Cursed am I, for I believe that I know what is best for my family and me. I rely on my own faulted and terribly limited knowledge instead of trusting wholly in He who is all knowing and all-powerful. When it’s written down it’s so easy to see just how crazy that is, but in real life and in the real world, it’s somehow so easy to forget. I am reminded again to relinquish control and take everything in prayer to the creator of the universe. He knows yesterday, today and tomorrow. He knows what’s best for my family and me because He knows what’s up ahead, what will harm and what will help us to thrive.
I must be patient and wait upon the Lord’s timing. I have to keep my shoulder to the plow and work hard and let God take care of the future. I have to think of others before myself and be humble (and no grumble) because often pride takes takes root and, before you know it, I feel entitled to privilege, benefits and perks. I must remain a servant and not one who is served and take all things to Him in prayer because He is a God who answers.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive me when I circumvent You. Forgive me for my pride. Help me to be content in serving others. I want to give You control, because ultimately, You always want what’s best for my family and me.
In Jesus name,
Amen
