God and the Nature of Control

I want to talk about something I have struggled with for many years now. That has always left a pillar of salt to mark the failures in my own relationship with God. And even been something that I personally have gone back and forth on what I believe theologically for decades.

I want to talk about the nature of control.

Not so much about who controls us, or how we are controlled, or how we control others. But most of all I want to talk about the idea of God controlling you.

Now why is this topic so important? Because of all the topics we might choose to consider – this one – more than any other – I CAN PROMISE YOU is going to determine how your life turns out!

Now let me start this analysis on the issue of control by asking a simple question. Ever gone through some difficult time in your life…where you were desperate - and really needed, and maybe even pleaded for God’s help - but in the end, if you are completely honest right now…it just didn’t seem like God came through for you? (Have something in mind?)

Now why do we all have experiences in our lives like that?

To help find an answer, let me first ask another question. Is there anything you would not be willing to change – just to be assured – that you would never go through another experience…like the one you just thought of?

The idea of God controlling us is an interesting theological concept. Why?

Because we know that God has given man a free-will. In other words, you are the one who directs your own life. You choose where you go - when you go - what you do - and how you will do something. You are the captain of your own ship. You chart your course. You choose your own destiny.

But if this is all true – then where does God fit in? Know what I mean? Where does He fit into our plans? What part does He play in our dreams, our goals…and ultimately what our life turns out to be?

Now before I attempt to answer those questions – I want to make a bold statement about something I have learned about God’s character and His interaction in human lives from my 50 years of experience.

Are you ready? Because here it is. What I have found is that God is absent in most of the difficult circumstances we find ourselves in every day.

And why is that? …Are you still listening? Or have I offended you so much already that you’re not sure you want to read any more? If not, then hold on - because what I am about to say may change your whole concept of how God interacts with you!

…GOD IS RELUCTANT TO CONTROL YOUR LIFE!

So much so – that He will not take that FIRST STEP toward you. The truth is you are going to have to convince God that you really want Him to control any area in your life!

Now listen to me. Any decision in your life where you have closed the possibility for any other discussion (meaning that you have decided that you will just not have the outcome in that situation, go any other way than what you want or have decided it will go)…

…then you need to understand that whatever that situation is…in your life – not only is it closed to others opinions, thoughts, and judgments - but that area in your life is also closed to God!

Which means in your life, in that one area of decision - God will not enter! Nor will He work or provide in that specific area of need!

…At least not until you give up your control and open the door to Him.

And understand; God also won’t walk through that door unless you give Him complete and total control in the area where you want to see Him move on your behalf.

I know – I know many of you may think that you have given God complete, or at least most of the control of the situations in your life.

Want to know a simple little test that I use to help me know if God is in control of some area of my life? It’s easy. …But I have to warn you — you may not like it. Ready? Because here it is…

The presence of any level of fear, anxiety, worry, depression, stress, or anger (or really any painful emotions) focused around any situation in yours or my life…almost always reveal when you or I are still struggling to be in control in that area!  

And also; that we have not opened the door to God in whatever area that is causing those painful feelings.

Now how do we know that? Because those painful emotions are indirectly created, (are you listening?)…when we are unwilling to trust God – unless He agrees to give us the outcome we are expecting!

You might want to reread these three previous paragraphs.

Ready to go again? God is looking for evidence in your life that you want Him to govern you. God is asking you and me to give evidence that we want Him to govern us, to guide us, to guard us, to provide for us, and even to heal us in each area of our lives.

Now think about this. The real truth is most of our prayers are an indirect, and yes, probably unintentional effort on our part to direct and control God! Can you see that?

Think about this. We usually look at some difficulty in our life – decide exactly how we want that dilemma resolved – and then in our prayers begin to direct God to do what we want Him to do…so the situation turns out the way we want it to turn out.

Come on – isn’t that right?

And then when it doesn’t go our way - we wonder where was God? And why didn’t He do what we were believing He was going to do? …Sound familiar?

Now listen closely. There is nothing wrong with you asking God to do something in your life the way you desire it to be done. In fact – it is scriptural. Right? Philippians 4:6 says, “…let your request be made known unto God”.

But it’s interesting because the first part of that verse says, “Do not be anxious about anything”, then, “…but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.”

Now did you catch it? The leading part of this verse tells us that…when you or I come to God asking for His help – we need to first be in an emotional place where we are not “anxious” over what we are asking God to do!

Now what do you think is the real reason behind why we are anxious and struggle to give God control over the areas in our lives?

Here is what I think it is. To give God control over any area in your life – means that you have to also give Him the total control over the OUTCOME of what happens!

And we know that means not only could the situation not turn out the way you want – but it could in fact, go completely opposite of the direction you are hoping for!

Now really listen to what I am about to say. It is the lack of God’s control in our life that is the reason most often for there being no change in the painful situations we face.

This is a difficult world. One that I have come to believe no one can navigate safely without great injury - without God being in complete control. Do you think that’s true?

Now let’s come back closer to home. Have some area in your life right now that you are struggling with? Always on your mind? Maybe something that seems to be ripping your heart out every day? And also something that you have prayed about? But up to this point – if you’re honest with yourself – it just doesn’t look like God has done anything? …In fact, maybe the situation has even gotten worse?

Now after reading all of this – is it possible that yes, you have prayed – but never while talking to God…have you ever really given Him complete control over this problem in your life?

I want you to know there is a wonderful freedom that can be found when you begin to give evidence to God that you want Him to completely control every area of your life.

Okay…read enough? Ready to talk to God right now about some problem that you are struggling with? Tired of being emotionally exhausted and broken from holding onto the possibility of it turning out the way you hope it will? …And now want God to be in control? …Complete control?

Remember, for you to give God control over some area in your life – you are going to have to come to the place where you want GOD’S WILL…more than you want that situation, that desire, that need to turn out the way you hope it will! …Understand?

Okay, just the way you have before - again let God know what your desire is in the area you are troubled over. He’s listening. But then (if you now really mean it) tell God that more than things turning out the way you have hoped – you now want HIS WILL to be done in this situation.

…And that you are not walking away until there is evidence that this problem is in His control and care.

Now go ahead, deposit (read step 6 in the PROJECT about the word “deposit”) that need into God’s care. Leave it with Him. With whatever He chooses to do – and with whatever the outcome will be.

And make sure you are willing to accept God’s decision as long as you know that nothing will get past God’s will and care.  

Now once you feel those painful emotions leave (knowing they reveal whether or not you are still holding onto getting your way and being in control)…then walk away.

…Without a care in the world! …Understand?

And never forget – God is reluctant to control your life. And as a result, you will always need to give Him evidence that you want Him to be in control. …Every. Day.

Now take the time to remember; God loves you unconditionally. I promise He is waiting right now outside of that door for you to yield and allow Him to govern and control the things that are out of control in your life. I promise it’s true.

Come on - God is waiting to take care of you. And to create the life you always dreamed of! So go home now and get rid of all of your emotional baggage. And don’t be afraid…to live out of control.

- Rod Pruitt