IIf control tends to be an issue in our lives, we often feel out of control ourselves. We can be judgemental of others about how they handle things, such as their kids, or their job, or their finances. So in the same measure, we won’t be able to feel like we can handle things either. One solution God suggests in this entry teaches how to begin adjusting life to a Christ-centered way of thinking. Allowing God to take His rightful place upon the throne has been established, yet there are growing pains. Please enjoy this word example with the Father, in which I express how small I feel my role is in the decision-making process.
I was in distress and crying out to God. I felt alone and was sitting on the couch. God spoke.
† EARS WHO HEAR, HEAR THIS †
Distress over sin. Alone over rebellion. God spoke out in love.
He said, “You know, a lot of your worry comes from the fact that you think you’re in control.”
† EARS †
Worries about life/death, not being able to handle it… If we think we can handle it, we don’t come to repentance.
“Yes LORD,” I said, not really getting it. There was a pause. God was telling me in His own way that He had already answered my prayer.
† EARS †
The answer to my problems and all my worries, were already answered in the finished work of His Son.
“You were in distress and cried out to God and I have heard your prayer. If you continue to be distressed and cry out at this point in any way moving forward, it’s senseless worry. Relax son, I’ve got this.“
† EARS †
“Please sinner, repent & receive life.”
Holy was saying, “You were in distress and cried out to God and I have heard your prayer. If you continue to be distressed and cry out at this point in any way moving forward, it’s senseless worry. Relax, Jesus has interceded.“
† EARS †
Sinner has accepted Christs’ sacrifice and the Holy Spirit has come into this believer’s life.
“I want you to name all the things that you thought you were in control of.”
† EARS †
“You have given Me total control, but what have you really given up?“
So here was my assignment. I began with high hopes but wasn’t coming up with much, even after a long time. I finally settled on two very basic things, and although I was a bit surprised there were only two, they would have to do. I hesitantly brought them up before the Creator of the Universe.
† EARS †
These two things were up to me, but I’m worried you won’t allow me to decide how I want to do them anymore.
“I’m in control of whether or not I read my Bible, and I’m in control of whether or not I get out of bed in the morning.”
† EARS †
I decided when I needed God; I decided about my day.
“You know, what if there was a fire and your Bible was burned up? Then what would you have read?”
† EARS †
If you decided when you needed God, what happens in times of trouble? If you’re in danger, your religion would go up in flames.
“…oh.”
“You know also, what if you got sick and couldn’t get out of bed in the morning at all?”
† EARS †
“What if you weren’t able to do the things you love doing? Who would be there to help you?
“…oh.” I mused, “Well at least I would have been in control of being able to turn this TV on right now.” I reached for the remote and hit the button. The TV didn’t turn on. It remained off. If it was to work I would have to approach it in another way.
† EARS †
“Even so, if I was too sick to get out of bed and enjoy myself I could let the world take care of me. I’ll show you, God, how I’d do it.” Clicking the remote for the TV is a way of saying that I asked the world to satisfy me, just like it used to. The satisfaction that only the world can bring was nothing more than a blip on the radar. I was left wanting for the experience.
Then I thought, here’s what I’ll do; I’ll set up my new gadget to control the lamp. I had been meaning to do this, and I knew right where the controller was. Cooly and calmly I walked away from the lamp to find the remote but… It wasn’t in the spot I thought it was! I spent fifteen minutes looking for it before I finally conceded it wasn’t there. So I went back into the room with the light and all I saw was darkness. I asked God for help and He told me I was blind. I asked once again, and He grabbed my hand. I asked once again, and He led me into the light. During those brief few moments in the darkness, my night was day and my day, night.
† EARS †
By walking on the edge of obedience I attempt once again to enjoy the world and find fulfillment in my former ways. When I’m tired of being sent on a wild goose chase to find satisfaction, I go back and look once again for God, but He isn’t as readily available as He once was. I asked God for help and He told me the truth. I asked God for help a second time and He said He was there. I asked God for help a third time and He lifted me from my sin.
I shuddered in dismay. It was then, that I admitted to God that I really didn’t have control over anything in my life.
† EARS †
“I laid my entire self as Jesus’ feet and say, “God, why would I ever leave?”
God said, “Any control you think you have is an illusion and your worry stems from the fact that you think you can do something significant to influence your situations and circumstances. I’m the only one that can do that. Only I am sovereign God!”
† EARS †
“Why? You tell me. Only my Spirit satisfies. If you think you have solutions, let me try. I am able & I am preeminent.“
Something to Think About
It’s difficult to hear sometimes, but God doesn’t allow us to leave Him unscathed. He holds us so tightly that when we are gathered under His wings, it feels like separation anxiety should we ask for our own way. It’s hard to imagine why anyone would do this. As God points out, control is merely illusory, quickly dispelled by common sense and a couple of what-if scenarios. But what if common sense was a spiritual attribute not afforded to mankind? Would we be anything less than sinful? Not without an intercessor and His name is Christ! Rom 8:34 (NKJV)
