Joanne: Sharing a good word

I recently mentioned this little book while blogging at The Simple Wife. (You can read what I had to say about it here.) But I'll just go ahead and say again how much I appreciate its straightforward approach. It is gentle, but firm. And being written in the first person drives the point home to me and pierces my heart.

I knew that this morning's reading would have something just for me from the title alone: Control. There are certain words that describe seasons of my life, themes that God is driving home to me. Some are for a season; others seem to be for life. Trust. Full. Transformation. Control.

Control is one that seems to be for life. Though I am learning to let go. (Hmm...let go. That seems to be another recurring phrase lately.)

Anyway. Today's reading on control from this book is one I felt compelled to share with you.

CONTROL

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 solves 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.

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me." (Matthew 28:18)

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

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)

Comments

[Heather Whistler]

Hi Joanne, thank you for sharing this reading, as well as your struggle to "let go and let God." Like yours, my husband has bipolar disorder, and it was a real struggle to let him take charge of his own recovery in the months after his breakdown.

Now that I'm pregnant for the first time, I find that I can get very anxious about how the baby is doing. It is always a relief to remember that God is in charge, and I'm just a supporting player.

I just started a blog (http://heatherwhistler.wordpress.com/), and would love to hear your thoughts about it if you get a chance.

Best,

Heather

[Michelle]

This sure fits where I'm at right now.
I try to fix my boys instead of letting God intervene.
It's hard but I must learn to keep silent and let God work. Especially since my boys are adults or almost adult.