Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Control Freak

The following is a short collection of reminders about our power to control...


I cannot control others- their feelings, their responses, their actions.


I cannot control disparaging circumstances like sickness, injustice, poverty, accidents, or death.


I cannot control the weather.


I cannot control the government.


I cannot control the sin of the world.


I cannot control changes in life, stages of growth, the ever-ticking clock.




Most of life is really beyond my control, and if I am not careful, I can start to think that there is something I should be able to do, or manipulate, or remedy every situation...be the fixer of all.  


We love the modern conveniences of swift service, curbside pickup, instant gratification. Perhaps more than any other era of humans, we struggle the most with the things we cannot control because we know very few limits to our precious realm of power. Recently, I marveled at the fact that I ordered my coffee and breakfast items on my Dunkin Donuts app from my driveway, and then while I waited in that drive-thru, I finalized my grocery order online as well. (I should remind you I am a child of the 80’s and late to all the techie parties.)


There is so much readily available to us, that when the solution is beyond our grasp, we are at a loss, a REAL loss.... this is a rarity to us. It is unbelievable and unthinkable that we can’t just solve it or make it go away.


In the true depths, though,  the valleys of this life, where the hurt is bottomless and hope feels non-existent, where you have NO POWER  or ability to control the outcome—— this the battleground at which you are held, as God is working. And as you trust in Him, the Bible promises that, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)


The moments at which you can no longer flex a physical, emotional, spiritual, relational muscle, then you are at your strongest place- because the Maker of the Earth is fighting on your behalf. You have never been stronger than in this place- for God is in the pit with you, and you are not in control, but He is! Amen!!


Paul says it this way, “He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me... That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  for when I am weak, then I am strong. “ 2 Corinthians 12:10


For all the things we cannot control, abide every second with the One who can. Remind yourself again and again of His goodness, mercy, & sovereignty. Walk closely, walk wisely with God, who never runs out of power. 


For certain, babies will cry at night. Bad drivers will be in front of you. Loved ones will get sick. A President will irk you. You will be offended by words carelessly spoken.... battles will come, some large and some small.  


To remain immovable and strong throughout the suffering is only possible when you are leaning upon the mighty power of God. He supports you. He gives you the daily strength. He supplies your portion when you cannot. 


Read this: You are strongest when you are LEANING.


For the things you can’t control in this life, your posture is one of yielding, bowing, and surrendering the fight to the only One who can work out the solution. It will be His timing and in His way, but the peace He can afford you is far greater than your power to control any situation.


Philippians 4:6-7-   “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”