“The word of the Lord is proven, He is a shield to all who trust Him” (2 Samuel 22:31).
As a very young boy I learned responsibility. Both of my parents worked and I had a little brother to take care of. I guess I was probably eight or nine maybe when my mother and dad starting leaving us home alone. We had a neighbor; Ms. Gaines whom my mother trusted and who would check up on us during the day. But, mostly I looked after my little brother and me. I was “in-charge.” When I got to be around eleven or twelve I was cooking dinner for my mother and dad so when they got home from work dinner was already for them. I always felt sorry for my mom knowing she had worked all day and was already tired when she got home. It wasn’t fair for her to have to come home and immediately start cooking for my dad, my little brother and me. So, I started cooking for her.
I went into the Air Force at eighteen got married at twenty-one, had two kids by the time I twenty-four and started my own business at age forty. Taking charge has always been something I could easily do. And, if I wanted it done right I knew I would have to do it myself! This ethic got over into my relationship with God as well. I would pray asking Him to help me but, if it took Him too long to respond or I didn’t believe He was paying attention I would go ahead and try to solve my problem without Him! Eventually, I learned something very important; God will allow us to make our own decisions even if we make mistakes. If we want to be in-charge He will let us. We are apt to make mistakes though, even become very disappointed in the results of our attempts.
Is there something in your life now that needs fixing? Are you trying to deal with a big problem all by yourself? Are you convinced you need to be doing-it-yourself? My advice; based upon my own experience is to “Let go – Let God!” Stop trying to take control of everything and allow God to help you. He wants to but as long as you want to solve your problems yourself He will allow you to try. I see incredible results in my prayers when I say to God; “God, I need You! I can not do this thing by myself. Please help me? I will trust you O, God because I know You love me and want the best for me!” After praying like this in total release, and with all my faith in Him I see wonderful results I never thought possible. You will too if you will only trust Him and ask Him to help you. Lose that control – allow Him to bless you!