Control

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8

I am a control-freak. Ok, I said it and I admit it. I am a fixer. Ask me my opinion and I think you want me to give you a solution.

 

Doesn’t matter that I have been teaching this about the “next generation.” I forgot. My generation really didn’t care what our parents thought. Our mantra – “we do it our way.”

But the millennial generation want to ask for your opinion (different than us Boomers) – but it doesn’t mean that they will take your advice. So for a control freak – that equals frustration. If you don’t want to know how to fix it – don’t waste my time in asking.

That’s where I was last week. I was frustrated. I was actually mad. I had forgotten about the situation at hand before going to bed – but obviously I still needed to learn something in all of this.

My quiet time was not what I expected. Read through all the Scriptures for the day. Started in on the pile of devotionals I use. Picked up one that us non-dated and that I use occasionally. And BAM! BAM! BAM!

Not coincidental that the titles got right to the point … CONTROL! Don’t shoot me. Some of you theologians don’t like this person’s writings. I don’t look at their writing as inspired, extra-biblical writings outside the Canon … We read Chambers, Cowman, Andrew Murray  — and they write in the same style but they are acceptable – maybe it’s because they are already dead and like old Hymn-writers, that makes you ok.

Here is what I read:

ENTRUST YOUR LOVED ONES TO ME. They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands. Sometimes you confuse loving others with rescuing them. When a loved one has a problem, you often feel responsible to come up with a solution. Then you plunge headlong into problem-solving mode, as if you’re obligated to provide sound advice. I want to help you stop feeling responsible to fix people since that is My role—not yours.

It is My prerogative to bring about change in people’s lives as I choose to do so. You can be part of the process, but remember that I am the Author and Director of the drama. You need to follow My script rather than creating your own. Do not usurp My role in people’s lives, no matter how much you long to help them.

When you feel compelled to rescue a loved one, take a good look at the quality of your love. Learn from Me, because I have all authority in heaven and on earth: I could rescue or control anyone at will. Yet I intentionally created people with the capacity to choose good or evil. I wanted them to be free to love Me—or not. Love that has no choice is not real!

Subordinate your deficient, controlling love to My perfect, empowering Love. Prayerfully release your loved ones into My protective care. Restrain your urges to solve their problems. Instead, use your time and energy to listen to them and pray for them. Trust in My Love and My unsearchable wisdom. I can work changes in your loved ones’ lives beyond anything you might ask or imagine. As you release these precious ones to Me, linger awhile in My unfailing Love—for them and also for you.

Young, Sarah (2012-06-05). Jesus Lives: Seeing His Love in Your Life (Kindle Locations 1053-1066). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

Ouch. Bam. Whack on the side of the head stuff. Self was on the throne the day before and I was so hung up with what I had to say was more important than what the Lord might be trying to say to my kids.

So I had to eat humble pie, suck it up, take my hands off, and trust the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5)

I am not sure I can say I will never try and be a controller – but at least I am recognizing that I have a problem and want to let God work it all out for my kids and His glory.

Still learning,

Bill Welte is President/CEO of America’s Keswick, Whiting, NJ

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 3-5; Matthew 6:19-34

Quote of the day: Don’t put a question mark where God has put a period. Adrian Rogers

Bible Memory: “Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.” Psalm 119:89-90