31 Days of Repentance – Day 2: Forgive me for Being Controlling.
By Monica Kritz
Mitchell County
Who likes to be in control? Raise your hand!
Are you someone who has to have the last word? Can you control every situation? Can you control the people around you? Can you control every outcome?
Let’s answer these questions with GOD’s Word. Jeremiah 32:17 says, “Ah, Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:” In this same chapter, GOD speaks to Jeremiah and asks, “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27) With an awesome GOD like this, why do we still want to control?
We know that nothing is too hard for GOD. We know: “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37) Then, why do we try to control things and people? One reason is fear. We do not like the unknown; therefore, if we can control the outcome, we don’t have to worry about what may happen…we “think” we will already know! Another reason is selfishness. We want everything to be according to “our” plans and ideas. How dare someone have a different opinion or outlook from me! Also, this idea of control is a type of rebellion against surrender. These reasons may sound harsh and tough to admit, but why sugarcoat the truth? Let’s be mature enough, to be honest with ourselves and about ourselves. The results will be so rewarding. Have you totally surrendered to GOD? The evidence of real surrender is giving up control.
In my life, I have noticed that fear breeds more fear. And that fear leads to wanting more control. But if we will surrender to GOD…truly surrender, HE will do things we never thought possible. In today’s culture, “surrender” is viewed as something bad. The world teaches: be your own boss, don’t let anyone tell you what to do, and be in control of your destiny. However, surrender means letting go…letting GOD. Doesn’t that take a lot of pressure off of our shoulders? Yes! Let’s think of the opposite of surrender – that would be rebellion and stubbornness, not doing things GOD’s way, but instead, “my way.” In 1 Samuel 15:23, The Bible says, “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD,…” Reading that verse should cause us to tremble. Surrender is serious, but stubbornness and rejecting GOD is dangerous.
Challenge:
*Take a moment to answer these questions:
Have I totally surrendered to GOD?
Is there any area of my life that I am afraid to give up control?
Am I rejecting GOD’s Word?
What is the reason for my wanting control?
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Jason and Monica Henley-Kritz live in the beautiful mountains of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, nestled near the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Jason is the owner of Joyful Noise Vintage Audio & Electronics, where he repairs, rebuilds and restores vintage electronics. Monica is the owner of Monica’s Music Studio, where she teaches piano and music theory lessons. Jason and Monica were married in 2007, and they give GOD all the glory for any accomplishments in their lives.
Contact Monica with questions about the books or to order hard copies.
Email: monicasmusicstudio@gmail.com
Phone: 1 828 765 8789 ( Leave a message )
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