I was working on a project the other day with one of my children. We were moving along with our task together in perfect unity. As we were nearing completion I noticed I was getting pushed away little by little and the child was gaining more and more control. To add insult to injury, the phrase “I got it, Mom.” was uttered from his little mouth, as though I was not needed at all. While I probably was not the greatest asset for getting the tractor out of the shed, I certainly did not need to be reminded by an 8 year old! To be fair, I had never started or driven this particular machine so I was carefully assessing the situation only to have my pride left hurt and annoyed by being told he knew better than I did.
This little story problem of my life led me to think about how I treat my Heavenly Father while we are working on a task with one another. It’s a little hard to admit, but I have watched myself start in perfect harmony with Him, only to say “I’ll take it from here, Lord!” Who am I to tell the Creator of all things, I don’t need you anymore? Yet, I do…all too often. Oh how I struggle with wanting to be in control of where my life is going and the plans I have for myself. One would think God would become annoyed and hurt by my actions, like I was as I rode out of the shed with the 8 year old at the wheel. Yet He has never turned His back on me and is always near, making a way for me, with outstretched arms.
I do not know about you, but I can really struggle at times with full surrender. When I am faced with a challenge (both good and bad) I cannot help but wonder if God has thought about everything like I have – pathetic, right? When will I learn to fully trust His will and submit to the plans He has for my life?
The lyrics from the song “Control” by Tenth Avenue North have really been speaking to me the last few weeks. They remind me while I may not understand His way at all times, I still need to let go of my control and trust Him to lead me on the right path. A few of the lyrics go like this:
Here I am; All my intentions; All my obsessions; I want to lay them all down; In Your hands only your love is vital; Though I’m not entitled; Still You call me Your child
God You don’t need me; But somehow You want me; Oh, how You love me; Somehow that frees me; To take my hands off of my life; And the way it should go
God You don’t need me; But somehow You want me; Oh, how You love me; Somehow that frees me; To open my hands up; And give You control; I give You control
I’ve had plans shattered and broken; Things I have hoped in; Fall through my hands; You have plans to redeem and restore me; You’re behind and before me; Oh, help me believe
You want me; Somehow You want me; The King of Heaven wants me; So this world has lost its grip on me
God could easily do all things on His own, but He has invited me – invited you – to partner with Him to redeem and restore this broken world. It’s amazing He would want anything to do with us when I really think about it; after all, He is the one and only King of the universe. He does not need us to accomplish anything for Him, yet He comes down from His throne and meets us here in our messed up and broken lives. It is the most beautiful picture of love and friendship because there is absolutely nothing you need to do to earn His affection. So as you journey with Him here on this earth, remember He only wants one thing – all of you.
The King of Heaven wants you, my friend!
Becky Ossefoort