Abram’s words to Lot: “The whole countryside is open to you. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want the land to the left, then I’ll take the land on the right. If you prefer the land on the right, then I’ll go to the left.”
Over the years as a Pastor I have met so many people who have caused themselves so much angst by trying to control too much around them concerning themselves. It has meant contention with others and inner lack of peace. A spirit of control does that.
Have faith in God. Abraham is the Father of the faith-full. Trust in Abraham’s God and don’t fear the choices others may make even this very day. If we try and control circumstances and others too much, paradoxically what we are seeking to protect and defend concerning our own life and wellbeing gets stolen from us. Fear of others and Control of others are not our friends. Time to kick them out the temple of your life, the dwelling place of God? If you do, your life will be a House of Shalom.
By the way, I fully understand if this thought seems extra hard for some of us to embrace. I am thinking of those whose experience of life makes it seem that “control” is a necessary weapon of defence. Let me say in love that sometimes the strategies that help us survive have their malevolent and harmful side too. ‘Control” may have helped you survive, which in itself has been no mean feat for you to accomplish. But don’t let survival be your final resting point. God has more for you, namely Life in all its fullness in Christ. To step more fully into that, it may well be that trusted survival strategies have to be relinquished. May God help you to do that when the time seems ripe and right for that to happen. Take a deep breath…it may be the time is right and ripe today
As I wrote that last sentence, I was remembering the first time I jumped off the highest diving board at North Berwick outdoor swing pool which is sadly no longer in existence. I had been up the steps for a look a few times and stood right at the edge but failed to jump. Then, one day, I climbed the steps, stood at the edge of the board, looked as I had done several times before…and just did it….just jumped. There were no new facts that helped me make that jump. I just decided to do it. I eave that thought with those of you for whom leaving “control” behind and jumping in abandon into the care of God seems extra hard.
God bless
Kenny
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