Hi all,
Any of you guys control freaks out there? Well, last Tuesday, at the conclusion of our faith trek through the life of Abraham, Rainier talked about giving up control to God. Because, God’s not really supposed to be just the co-pilot in our lives, He wants to the Captain!
We didn’t have the time to break up into small groups on that night, but here are a few questions from Rainier, and we can discuss right here!
1. What is the motivating factor in your relationship with God? Is it God himself or the hopes and benefits he offers us?
2. Are you withholding anything from God? Any territory in your life that is still off-limits to Him?
3. Giving up control is never easy, but do you think we ever had it in the first place?
4. Is there anything God wants you to give up right now for His glory? If so, what is it?
Let’s talk about it.
Ciao!
Stef
5 responses so far ↓
1 Jamie // Aug 28, 2008 at 5:25 am
2. I wouldn’t say withholding, in a sense that God is off limits, but I’d just say it’s my stubbornness that is holding me back. I still have a lot of issues I need to work on, so i know and AM convicted that i need to take action. Action to get rid of the sins I used to love, forgive those who have done me wrong, and a COMPLETE turn around of perspective, not because I have a a different life now, but rather i NOW have a life through Jesus.
3. Nope. Not and will never be easy. I wasn’t always obsessive about control, but it does usually piss me off when i don’t get things my way. Of course. I think everybody does. But that’s basically the meaning of it. It is the giving up of control because let’s face it, we cannot handle everything ourselves. And surrendering to God, mind you, is the true way of worshiping Him.
4. Not sure yet on other aspects, but one is definitely pride. It is something I struggle with and I need to continue to look to God and know that that is His law. Pride is something I hate that I have, but it is my love for God and His grace that is the only break out from it. Please pray for me.
2 law // Aug 28, 2008 at 7:49 am
sometimes, i get caught up in my cause- i love doing the work of God’s justice in the present time. then He reminds me that my work is so meaningless without Christ. and He is to have all of my heart or nothing of it.
2. nothing is off-limites on paper- BUT i sure am slow to give way sometimes. hahahha. there’s a lag-time when it comes to saying sorry or admitting faults. humble pie needed!mmm, pie.
3. no.
4. like jamie, pride. and … my penchant for gadgets. wahahaha.
3 taguan // Sep 1, 2008 at 3:20 pm
2. after much wrestling and debate and stubbornness, i’ve finally surrendered my rebellious desires for a tattoo. hahaha
3. all we’ve ever had is the illusion of control, and i think we all know that, why else are we constantly fighting for it?
4. hmm… can’t think of any RIGHT NOW. but He has asked me to give up people, things, and dreams in the past. and those were such horrible tug-of-war incidents. they should teach me to just let go as soon as He wants something. He’s gonna get it sooner or later.
4 spreekitik // Sep 8, 2008 at 5:33 am
2. i’d like to say, ‘none,’ but that would be a lie.
3. nope.
4. not at the moment. in the past, a lot. and i don’t want them back ever!
5 aworkinprogress // Sep 8, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Sometimes I forget though and seek after other things only to come back because life is meaningless without God.
I realize that I will never not need Jesus to stand and intercede to the Father on my behalf. I have no right to call the attention of others if it is not stemming from love and genuine concern and in humility or if i’m not willing to go out of my way to help.
2. Yes, sadly but we’ve been working it out and Glory to Him, He’s correcting things.
3. That’s a tough one. It makes me think that we have no right to judge anyone then because we’re only “good” by God’s grace and should be humbled and grateful for that fact and maybe pray out of genuine concern that God change His mind about the people who don’t know the good news yet (or share it with them). That’s why we share the good news? There are more intelligent ones with a ready answer…
4. Tons. Pride is definitely there and I will be praying with you on that issue.
Hate, unforgiveness and a past that I can’t get over… it’s hard to accept the relief that Jesus offers. But I’ve heard he came for the sick so He’s the one who’s at work in me! I don’t want to go back either, no matter how many people try to drag me back there, I am free in Jesus Christ!
It’s easy to say hate and unforgiveness but I know I’ve done the same and worse to other people. I feel remorse and shame and need to make amends.
Church! Let’s stop being cannibals and actually help each other out in the parts of the body that are hurting! This is something I really want to say but shrink at the thought of actually doing… is it possible?
Law, do you think it a good idea to wait so long to make amends? What if that person was to die? Or your heart get too hard? Is pride of more value than friendship?
“Do not let the sun go down on your anger.” is a proverb to think about.
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