“We are called to love the God we cannot control” (Tim Keller).
Think about that. It goes against everything we think we want as best for us because by and large we are all control freaks. But the God of the Bible will not be controlled. Instead, He is in control (A.K.A. God’s sovereignty).
Think about all the things that are beyond our ultimate control…
When we were born… where we were born… who our parents and siblings are… our intellectual capacity or physical attributes. We aren’t even in control of how much we are able to mature in Christ (Hebrews 6:1-3, with an emphasis on v 3).
We cannot control the weather… what our children do when they leave home… what our spouse does… the events or circumstances that happen to us nor the affections of our own heart.
We cannot control politicians… the economy… other nations… global trade… nor just about anything else you want to name.
We certainly cannot control God… what He wills… or what He purposes to take place.
It is that last paragraph I ask you to contemplate most intently. We are called to love the God we cannot control. This is consistent with what Jesus said was the first and greatest commandment as written in Matthew 22:36-38… “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.”
If God causes/allows us to be persecuted, we’re to love Him.
If God does or does not answer our prayers, we’re to love Him.
If God propsers or doesn’t prosper us, we’re to love Him.
If God gives us health or sickness, we’re to love Him.
If God elevates or de-elevates us, we’re to love Him.
If God chooses to take everything from us… EVERYTHING… including our health, family, mind, and possessions, we are to love Him!
No matter what God does… causes… or allows into our life, we are to love Him!
In other words, we are to love the God we cannot control. Then, and only then, will we be content with Him alone… to His glory.
This says it all pretty plainly and gives us lots to think about. Thanks for sharing your insight.
God is really using you to speak to me today. Thank you for this, another wonderful Blog. I treasure these moments when I receive something and the light of God’s truths literally comes on in my heart and mind. May God continue to use you as His instrument in my life and lives of the many others you touch through these messages. Praise the Lord!