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Life Out of Control
Helpless
“Now just relax, count down from ten, and you will be fine.” Somehow, the words of my anesthesiologist didn’t comfort me. Helpless, scared, and all alone, I didn’t feel fine. I was in a freezing cold room, wearing a paper thin gown, surrounded by strangers and one of them was holding a knife. Talk about life out of control – this was the epitome of helplessness.
Well, I did fall asleep, the incision healed, my rebellious gallbladder was excised, and I finally warmed up. It was worth it, but it was hard. Not the pain, the inconvenience, or the recovery process so much - it was hard because I was completely out of control.
The truth is, I love being in charge. I like to make my own decisions, choose my own schedule and arrange my own life. While some may call me a control-freak, I prefer to just think of myself as a woman.
The Illusion of Control
Women like being in control of every little thing and I know why. It’s because every big thing is completely out of our small realm of influence. Think about it. I didn’t choose where I was born, who my parents were, or where I went to school. I didn’t pick these colorless eyes, my rather large thighs, or my limp, lifeless hair. I mean, who would choose that?
There are things in life upon which I can impose my will, but they are really few and far between. I can’t change the world, my husband, or my teenage son. Most of the time I can’t even change myself, which is really the biggest frustration of all.
If only I had true ‘self-control,’ I would exercise daily, delight in a diet of tofu, love God scandalously, and serve my family sacrificially. If only…
Out of Control and Loving It
All of this would be completely depressing if it weren’t the best news that I’ve ever heard. Because I am entirely unable to help myself, that means I am a candidate for Divine rescue. And in His mercy, God did and does rescue me from myself constantly.
While I was helpless, scared, and all alone, rotting in my sin – God stepped in. He removed my rebellious heart (Ezekiel 36:26) and made me entirely new. And better than that, He’s not done. Paul says it this way, I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me Galatians 2:20 (NASB).
Yes, it is a life out of control, but at least I am learning to love it.
Listen to audio “Life Out of Control” & Learn:
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control… these qualities are a verbal portrait of Christ. Isn’t He beautiful? They are also all things that God has promised to work into our hearts and lives as we abide in Him, enabling us to look like Him.
- Rediscover joy
- Reclaim a deep and lasting peace
- Be tendered by His gentleness
- Bear His fruit
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Other Great Articles You May Enjoy:
Transformational Love
Imitation of Christ
It’s All About Me - Or Is It?
The Beauty of Christ
Grace Like Rain
Hold Fast
Desiring God
Power to Love
Jesus Loves Me
Life Out of Control
God’s Purpose for Your Life
Faith First
Enjoy Christ
