As we close out our Out Of Control series, many of us might still have questions about circumstances or events in our lives that cause chaos. I know I do! I look at my life and see some pretty hard things, like losing my brother to cancer while I was finishing high school, and my parents divorcing when I was 6. But I also see the great things, like a family that loved me, a great church in which to grow up, an amazing wife that has made me better, and my kids that bring such joy to my life. Through all of these things, good and bad, God has continued to draw me into his plan for my life. The hard, chaotic things, and the great things I have experienced are used by God to mold me into exactly who he wants me to be.
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 NIV
One of the most important lessons I learned in the Out Of Control series is that we all need a more powerful influence in our lives than ourselves. I want to put my trust and faith in a God who sees, knows and created me. He knows what I should be doing.
He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
— Ephesians 2:10 NLT
He has the big picture.
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
— Psalm 139:16 NIV
And he will even put me back on track when I fall.
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. — Psalm 37:23–24 NIV
It seems that he would be much better at being in control than me!
Ask yourself these three questions:
- Do I believe God is who he says he is in the Bible?
- If he is, do I believe his ways and his plan would be the best for me?
- If yes, why do I continue to believe my ideas and understanding if they are in conflict with God’s word?
Close today with a simple prayer of submission and humility. Something like this: God, I am not able to carry the load of this world alone. I do not have the answers to life’s questions and challenges. I need your help and I want to surrender my fight to be in charge and allow you to be in control of my life.