For All The Control Freaks Out There

"...For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.  

But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; 

you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

(Acts 5:38-39)

How much time do you spend trying to control what happens in your life?

A lot? A little?

Probably more than you realize. 

Our inability to surrender control of our lives can come from many places - distrust, rebellion, selfishness, hurt, and more. But regardless of why we do it, the results are the same: we will end up burnt out, stressed out, and facing off with God instead of walking with Him. All of our energy will get spent on trying to manipulate and strive to make things happen the way that we want them to. Living life with our fingers clutched so tightly around our futures is not only draining, but it will wreck your spiritual life over time. The more you try to be the god of your own life, the more you push God out of His place in your life. 

Is that what you really want?

If you're reading this and you're feeling convicted, don't panic. God in all of His mercy and love for us never leaves us in our shortcomings. A few months ago I came across this verse from Acts, and I felt as if God was speaking to me directly about surrendering to Him. I realized that I can try to control things as much as I want, but if it's not God's will, He's not going to let it succeed. It will just be an enormous waste of time and energy, because if it's not from God, all I'd be striving toward is failure. I'm sure that some people won't see that as a good thing, but it is - God is too good to let us succeed in something that will get us off track. Then, to follow that good news with even better news, we read that if something is from God, it will be unstoppable. Nothing in this world is ever going to be able to move you from the place God has willed you to be, and God Himself will fight for you in that place.

That means that there's nothing to be afraid of. 

You can put things in God's hands and know that He will keep and sustain every single thing that is supposed to be in your life. 

So the next time you find yourself serving in ministry with the intent of showing off in order to advance "your calling," stop. The next time you find yourself searching through profiles or making eyes at every single person you see, hoping that they're "the one," stop. The next time you refuse to follow what God has told you to do because you're afraid that obeying will mean you won't get those things that you wanted, stop. His plans for you are good. He is for you. He loves you. He will prosper you and put everything in your life that is supposed to be there in His perfect time. You don't have to plan or plot or manipulate. Just keep seeking God, keep getting to know Him, and in surrendering you will learn just how trustworthy He is.