We are in a season where we find ourselves holding our future ministry, events, and life loosely in our hands.
The quote from Corrie ten Boom, has never rung so clearly than in the present days we are walking through—”Hold loosely to the things of this life, so that if God requires them of you, it will be easy to let them go.”
Recently, I have been asking myself the question, Is there anything we can control?
It seems with the flip of the calendar another event is being postponed or cancelled and with the shifting culture we find ourselves in, there are few things we are able to control. Oh, and how we love to control and plan. Planning is not a bad thing, but what we are realizing through the last 4 months is that with life and leadership comes flexibility! I believe, in theory, we know flexibility is a strong characteristic of a good leader. But now, the pandemic we are walking through causes us to experience flexibility first hand. We find ourselves in a very different and new season. A season of loosely planning. And yes, there will be things we are unable to control. But the one thing you always have control over is your attitude.
So, like me, you may find yourself needing to believe the truths of Romans 8:28 like never before, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
From Romans 8:28
- Who does the working? God does the work.
- Who is the working being done for? The work is done for those who love Him.
- So what can we control? We can control our love and pursuit for Him!
1 Timothy 6:11 gives us a prescription for what we can control, “But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.”
Jesus wants to be your priority and focus. Matthew 6:33 tells us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and everything else of value will find you.
What happens when we control the controllable of righteousness, faith, love and endurance?
- It’s a pursuit! A quest of following Jesus. A journey that needs to be sought daily through a devoted time in God’s word. He becomes your focus.
- We seek His plans and not our own agenda. In addition, realize the truths of Psalm 31:14 – 15 says, “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord, I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hand;”
- It unleashes us to become part of the process. We become moldable in His hands and move forward in the calling He sets before us.
- We keep our eyes focused on Him and not our selfish desires.
- Our perseverance and endurance comes from a strength beyond ourself; the working of the Holy Spirit’s power
Controlling the controllable will take incredible commitment on our part. It’s not for the faint of heart. So, don’t become weary in doing good. Control your pursuit of righteousness; stay committed to God’s kingdom and with intentionality seek to do His will.
Continue on in the strength of the Lord through the Holy Spirit’s leading and persevere, my friend!
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust Him, and He will help you.
Psalm 37:5
Journeying with him,