say we are 100% in control of our lives, wouldn't we. We make the decision
as to where we live, where we work and what we do. We would like to say that
we are in control of our families as far as our eating habits, our
entertainment and the learning environment of our children and
grandchildren. Yes, we would like to say that, but we know in the reality of
our world it just isn't true. There are far too many things about which we
have no control.
Could it be that we are too concerned with controlling too much that goes on
in our world? What is it that concerns you? What is it that you pray to our
God about? What requests do you make?
There is an interesting incident found in Luke 11:1-4. Jesus is asked by his
disciples to teach them how to pray. He responds with a simple outline for
prayer. Notice the text:
"One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his
disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his
disciples." He said to them, "When you pray, say: "'Father, hallowed be your
name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our
sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into
temptation.'"
He begins by praising God and then deals with what to ask. He said, "Give us
this day our daily bread". You can't get much simpler than that. Really what
he was saying was, "Lord, Meet my needs for the day!"
Could you really be satisfied making that kind of request for yourself?
Just, "Lord, give me what I need." That demonstrates total trust in God and
I wonder if most of us really trusts God enough to say that? To give Him
control of our lives, to not give us that for which we ask, but what we
really need. To trust Him enough to let him start opening and closing doors
in our lives and rejoice in what comes our way.
Most of us can't do that can we? We feel more comfortable taking a shopping
list with us when we pray. We say, "Lord, give us this day our daily bread."
Oh, and make that whole wheat not white and by the way, we prefer this
certain bakery.
I challenge you this week to try to turn your life over to God. I challenge
you to begin to pray simply and with trust that God really is able to make
all things turn out for the good in our lives (Romans 8:28). Do you believe
that? If you do then challenge yourself to give up control of your life and
live like you believe it!
May our God guide you and give you what you really need!
Russ Lawson
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