Peace by Piece—Surrendering All That Is Beautifully BrokenSample

The Pieces of Control

The older I get, the more frightened I am of heights.  The thought of flying in an airplane terrifies me.  I’d much rather ride the carousel instead of a large roller coaster!  Why am I afraid of these activities?  Because I am not the one in control.  I am not conducting, operating, or directing anything.  These events are 100 percent out of my hands. It's all about trust and faith.

Why do we have such a need for control?  Why does being in charge make us feel safe?  

The definition of control is to have power over or to direct influence over something.  I believe that control is rooted in pride.  We would much rather do things ourselves than let anyone help… especially our God, even when He knows best.  And when we begin to do tasks in our own power all the time, we begin to feel overwhelmed. 

Remember yesterday when we talked about submitting our lives to Jesus and asking Him to be Lord over all?  Friends, when we declare this truth, Jesus is the one in control.  We are living for a greater purpose.  We are to have faith and trust in God!  Surrender is an act of obedience and letting go. 

Giving up control does not mean that we are to be irresponsible and live carelessly.  We honor God with our work ethic as well as through how we take care of ourselves, families, homes, and all that is given to us.  We need take care of these blessings from God without becoming obsessive. 

Being bossy with God and taking complete power over our lives is sin. The need for influence can consume us like a sickness.  Control is a two-way street.  You can choose to control every aspect of your life and risk serious problems like addiction or a toxic thought process.  You can also choose to let tragedies control you to a point of helpless bitterness.  When you allow difficulties to overtake you, there is no room for joy and peace in Christ.  

Control is a choice!  We can choose the road of defeat or choose to walk in victory through Christ!  We must break free from the chains that bind us.  We must surrender this “piece” of our life, and lay it down at the feet of Jesus.