?You may think you are in control, but ultimately you?re not.?
This statement shocked our friend a bit; but, dear ones, we may have plans, but always and forever God is in control.
How often have you been with others that say they like to be in control? The other day my husband and I were having lunch with a friend about our age. We were talking about enjoying each day God gives us ? the gift of it and how we felt we should live it fully and have no regrets. During the conversation, we talked about different activities, including traveling ? on ships, planes, etc. ? when our friend said he wouldn?t go on any of those because he would lose control. He said he wanted to always be in control ? making the changes and choices when he wanted to. I kind of smiled and said, ?You may think you are in control, but ultimately you?re not.? It shocked him a bit, but, dear ones, we may have plans, but ultimately God is in control.
Some of us enjoy making plans. It?s a part of our organizational gifting. We like having our ?ducks in a row.? Bottom line, though, is we are not in control. God is going before us, guiding us, removing obstacles and leading us like the Good Shepherd He is.
Now, how is that going to affect my joy, my spirit, my peace and my walking in victory when things don’t go as planned? Will I become all upset and angry, fear others if they don?t do what is expected, or cut off relationships because their thoughts or behaviors don?t coincide with mine? After consideration and prayer, do I cast my burden on Him, because He cares for me? (1 Peter 5:7)
I like being at peace and content. But I find that occurs most when I am resting in God?s care, basking in His love (Jeremiah 31:3), knowing with certain knowledge that His plans are for my good and not evil all my days (Jeremiah 29:11) and focusing on Him. Praise God, He is in control. I love this old hymn:
Be Still my Soul
(Google for all the verses)
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide,
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still my soul; thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways, leads to a joyful end.
Blooming Victorious