Still In Control
Any control freaks out there? Does it bother you when something is out of your hands or when things seem to be going anything but smoothly? How about in times of pain and suffering? Well, I got news for you — God is still in control! God is ALWAYS in control! Do you truly believe that? Does it bother you that ultimately God is in control and you are not? Come on, be honest…
As I wrote about the other day (Does God Need You?) and our pastor reiterated in a sermon yesterday, God doesn’t need us at all. He is going to accomplish His plans no matter what we do. We went through a series of examples in the Bible about people coming up with their own plans whether it be out of fear or just because they thought they knew best in the moment. How often do we do things out of fear, or doubt in God, or think we know better than God? Maybe you are perfect in these areas and never waver in your faith or willingness to submit to God, but my actions certainly show I’m far from perfect when it comes to totally buying into the reality that God is always in control.
Let’s be real, we all struggle with this from time to time. Apathetic and rebellious attitudes aside, even when we truly want to submit to God, we still get caught up in thinking about what we are doing to follow God, rather than what God is doing. This is unavoidable to some extent. Since we are personally responsible for our own actions then of course we need to consider what we are doing carefully. My point is that as we are considering our actions, are we also thinking about how God is in control no matter what? Certainly it’s pleasing to God to desire to walk in obedience and His perfect will, but even when we don’t, God’s still moving forward with His plans. The only question is whether we get to enjoy the fullness of being on the same page as God in each moment. Sure, it’s not enjoyable to think about when we mess up, but isn’t it relieving to know it changes nothing with God. He’s still in control!
If we make a habit of thinking about and truly accepting that God is in control, then it should be become easier to bounce back in hard times or when things didn’t turn out the way we hoped. I realize that is easier said than done, and those who are in the midst of struggles may not want to hear this message at the moment. If that’s you, however, then you’re exactly who this message is for. You have the opportunity to implement this attitude in your life right now and immediately see the powerful effect. If you feel you lack the strength or courage to do this, it doesn’t matter, because God lacks nothing! Ultimately it doesn’t matter how you feel about it or where you lack, because God’s in control. Will you act like it and cling to Him during these times, or do you still want to do things in your own strength and in your own way? That’s the one decision you control.
Here is a good song that reminds us God is still in control, no matter how we feel.
My God is still in control
And still He reigns on His throne
Though mountains may tremble and sea billows roll
I’ll sing it is well with my soul
My God is still in control