Control is the opposite of faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God.
In rehab i learned i truly can’t control others. I can’t control their actions. Their perceptions of me. I can’t truly control my future. My career. My ministry. My children.
I can control my attitude. I can control the way I treat others. That’s about it.
I used to (and still) waste so much energy and brain space trying to control things that aren’t ultimately mine to control. And even if the immediate result lines up with what I want, it’s still not really control.
When I feel like I’m in control, it’s really a prideful place. Control is undeniably linked with pride. Pride that I’m smarter or more capable than others.
Control feigns that I’m in charge.
Control provides a false sense of security.
And when it’s swept away, my identity gets carried away with it.
I want to make an exchange. Instead of controlling, I want to do more sowing.
Gal 6:9 “Let us not grow weary of doing good [sowing], for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up”.
I want to sow kindness, patience, encouragement, honor, grace and love into my life and into others. And while sowing, have faith that God will make good on His promise instead of hoping that I receive the outcomes of my striving.
The prayer for today and for everyday: sow more and control less.