Way too often, we take (okay, try to take) control of our lives….it usually results in something less than beautiful, something less than great, and something less than what God would have for us….
I try so hard (to my detriment) to hold on to “my life”. After all, it’s mine, right? Hmmm.
So, for me to believe this I am required to ignore some scriptures. Gosh, isn’t it easy to highlight and delete scriptures on an electronic version. But it makes a huge mess of the written word to cut those same scriptures out.
Back to my point of this blog, I’m to release my hand from the wheel, let go of the tiller, to release the reins: to exchange my life with that of Christ. Galatians 2:20 says, “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (NLT).
I like how the Message says the same passage: “Christ’s life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The live you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (MSG)
So when I let go and let God—to allow Christ to have total access and control of my life things begin to really change. The change is radically different than I could have ever dreamed or imagined…So when I’m weak He is strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). When I can’t deal with a situation or I don’t understand it, I turn to God and His wisdom is accessible to me (James 1:5). When I allow God’s possibilities to reign true, things are no longer impossible in my life (Luke 18:27). Good stuff!
When I realize my position of submission to God others are blessed; others discover they are loved—even through me (1 John 4:7). And when I don’t know how to intercede for them or how to pray about something the Holy Spirit supplies the guidance I need (Romans 8:16). In this position of submission, I move out of the way, away from the helm, away for my rule to Christ’s rule in my life and I am filled with the fullness of life that comes from God (Ephesians 3:19).
Only God can be God!
(Reflections on “An Exchanged Life” from “Experiencing God Day-by-Day” by Henry Blackaby)
2 comments:
Did you ever let go and let God? what was the result? What happened when you let go of the tiller..did anything get done? How were others blessed? and how were you changed?
Great questions!
Yes, a number of situations come to mind....
I had been working at a job that seemed to be changing, people resigning, moving to other positions and I had been wanting to also move on. I knew I could polish up the resume' and hunt down a new job, as I had done before numerous times while I was far from God.
This was the first time that I felt I needed to pray and seek God's will for me as some opportunities to go into ministry had come up and yet they didn't feel right was I prayed....
I went on vacation to the mainland and spent time in prayer, isolation and God's Word...I pondered if it was time to leave Hawaii, or whatever. Well, I came to realize that God didn't want be to do anything towards finding a new job or relocating but to just trust Him....That was so clear to my mind/heart as I overlooked the fog covered ocean in Santa Barbara, CA. I couple of tears were shed as I surrendered my will for God's...I remember a sense of peace came over me.
Two days after returning to work I got a call from my old friend, who offered me a job and is NOW my boss.
While working here I've performed over half-a-dozen weddings for Altres employees or related to work.... I've witnessed to co-workers and started a prayer chain and a Bible study...One of my assistants is now growing in her new-found relationship with Christ and others are asking great questions!
It will be a lifetime of learning to let go of the tiller for me. I like to be in control so this is something difficult for me, but I do try...that's what God is asking...
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