Hi friends! I am taking a quick breather from creating new material on Wednesdays as I prep for an upcoming conference and lay some foundational leadership work with a one of my local organizations. I was digging through the archives and found this post worthy of a re-share. I pray you enjoy it! Thanks for the grace.
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I am not the lord of my life… THANK GOD.
I type those words with ease, because if I was lord of my life, I would be in serious trouble.
But there was a time (not too long ago, might I add) that I really was TRYING to be my own lord. It wasn’t extremely obvious. It’s not like I was building little golden Sharita-idol statues to put around my house and sell on Amazon. (That would be so awkward.) However, I WAS trying to do all, control all, be all to everybody.
And as lovingly as God crafted me, I am NOT made for that.
Neither are you.
Everywhere you look, we find “self-help” books. Admittedly, I have a few on my bookshelf in my dining room from my previous “Me-me-me-I-can-do-it-all” days. Sure, there are a few good tips in there– but our efforts mean NOTHING without God’s involvement.
Having control of everything/everyone in life can quickly become an idol or obsession. When we think our efforts are the end-all-be-all, we leave God out of the equation… And most of the time, we find ourselves stressed, exhausted, frustrated and facing defeat.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not making a proposition that we all quit our jobs and move to the Bahamas, spending our remaining days on earth basking in the sun drinking little umbrella drinks. (Unless God is calling you to do that… In which case, I would appreciate an invite to crash on your couch for a week.) Our hard work is necessary but insufficient without God. We are in a partnership with God. To collaborate, seeking His strength and guidance while we carry out His purposes.
If you have been around 7 Days Time very long, you know that I am predisposed to being a worrier (coupled with my desire for control. Super fun. Sigh.) But when it comes to lordship over our life, we can release both worry and control and let God do His thing instead of thinking we should/have to do it all.
In order to help with this example, I have made a list.. (Me? Make a list? No way!) It’s essentially a list of what I can/am called to do/should control versus what God’s responsibilities are.
Here we go…
My responsibility: To love my husband and Biblically submit to Him
God’s responsibility: Equip my husband to love me like Christ loved the Church
My responsibility: Take care of my daughter by feeding her, clothing her, loving her
God’s responsibility: Protect her, guard her, and be with her in ALL situations
My responsibility: Blog and minister with faithfulness and passion through 7 Days Time
God’s responsibility: Bring the people and soften their hearts to hear His word
The list can go on and on and on… but I tell you what- when I clarify MY responsibilities in life compared to what God’s Lordship responsibilities are over me, it is such a relief.
It’s not all up to me. I am not the Lord of my life.
The best part about all of this is that while I am incapable doing all these things alone, God is there with us. He loves it when we invite Him into our day and say “Ok, God. I am going to work hard for you, but I know my efforts are insufficient without you. I’m gonna need your help.”
What would your list look like? Where do you struggle when it comes to defining your vs. God’s responsibilities? I would love to hear all about it– comment below!
So today, friends, lets admit (and rejoice) in the fact that we are not the lord of our life.
Praise the Lord for His Lordship,
SGK
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.” -Exodus 20:2-3 NIV
What’s on my list… vs God’s list?
(Photo via Vic @ Flickr)
Linking up today with my friend Kristin over at Three-word Wednesday and having a little Coffee for your Heart with Holley. Oh! And be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!
