I try not to stereotype, but I think you would agree that we can be quite controlling. We want our home to run like we want. We want our jobs to stop trying to micromanage us, and let us do our thing. We want our children to do what we say-like we said it! Even in relationships, the most docile women, still want some control. Where does this trait come from? Well, some might say we get it from our mothers, while others will blame feminism. This post today isn’t so much about the root of the problem, but how our relationship with God can be hindered because of our need to control.
You may be saying right now “I’m not like that-especially with God!” or “God is the head of my life!”. Hear me when I say that we all make those statements from time to time. And we mean them. The problem comes when we have to actually live out those words. Throughout the bible, there are many instances where God’s people took it upon themselves to try to edit God’s work. For example, Sarah was promised a child, but when she got tired of waiting on God, she offered her handmaid to her husband. The baby-mama drama got real, and Sarah couldn’t take it! (Genesis 16:3)
Jonah was told to go to Ninevah, but tried to avoid his assignment by running away. He was pretty upset that God kept forgiving those sinful folks and basically decided they didn’t deserve it. Well, you probably know what happened next. Yep, he got swallowed up! (Jonah 1:17)
Rebekah, who was the mother of Esau and Jacob, tricked her husband in order to bless her youngest son. She devised a scheme for Jacob to steal Esau’s blessing. Rebekah wanted to fulfill the God’s prophecy that the older son would serve the younger. Her actions were the root of the Esau’s hatred for his brother Jacob! (Genesis 27:1-30)
Leah participated in deceiving Jacob in order to get married before her younger sister. She ended up with a man that didn’t love her, but had no problem sleeping with her! (Genesis 29:25)
When I read the stories of the bible, it’s hard ignore man’s need for control! To be honest, I’m not much different. I have to consistently remind myself that I have a God who will take care of me. I have to remind myself that I’m not smart enough to control the whole world or even my world. Sadly, I sometimes find that the reminder comes after I’ve already messed things up! Then it’s “LORD HELP YOUR SILLY CHILD!” (Insert ugly cry right here!)
Are you guilty of making choices in an attempt to edit God’s plan for your life? God is the author and finisher of your faith, so why are you trying to edit His work? When you pick up a book, you may not like the characters or the events they encounter, but one thing is for sure, you cannot change the book!
We get so upset about what we face in life and the people involved, that we often interfere to shorten the time or improve the process. The truth is, no book is complete without a villain. Without a villain there would be no need for a hero! In the book of 1 Samuel, Hannah is taunted and vexed by her husband’s other wife Peninah. She is rejected and despised because she doesn’t have children. Hannah didn’t try to change her own situation, but continued to worship and pray to God. It was in her faithfulness, that she received the desire of her heart. Peninah was a pest, but the truth is she was simply playing the part God had at that time.
So the next time your situation seems to get the best of you, remind yourself that God is with you. Not only is He working behind the scenes, He has control of every character. Don’t get side tracked by other’s actions, just play your part! Instead of trying to help things along, trust the Master’s plan. Leave control to Miss Jackson!God doesn’t need an editor.
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you and expected end. Jeremiah 29:11
