Do You Like to Be In Control?
by Gail Millan
“ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Colossians 3:2 (ESV)
Most of us want to be in control of our lives when really, God is in control. I have a particular life lesson that my husband and I learned earlier this year. This is how it changed our lives…
When we are self-sufficient, it can be difficult to “let go and let God” for we are used to being in charge of our own life, making our own decisions and choices, and taking care of ourselves.
We don’t like surprises, so we try to control not just our present, but our future, too. We want to know everything that is going to happen ahead of time, but it’s really fear that causes us to be a control freak. We don’t want to be caught unaware because it can be scary!
We especially don’t want anyone telling us how to live our life, for we know best! If we tend to worry, we justify making our own plans by somehow convincing ourselves that our way is the best. Besides, who knows us best other than God? We tell ourselves, “I work hard,” and “I deserve it,” then continue to overspend on “stuff”. Some of that stuff is still sitting in a closet not being used, so that is money down the drain. We make decisions and live with the outcome while underneath (in denial) we are worried about what may happen, but tell ourselves, “It’s OK. God doesn’t mind if I buy stuff,” or “God is blessing me with abundance (of stuff).”
I had come from a background with no boundaries, and my husband had too many. I believed in the “rewards” system of buying stuff whenever I wanted it, without proper financial boundaries. My husband is patient and can wait to save up for an item, whereas I will use credit to get it now.
Last year, my husband and I were feeling the effects of too many bills and not enough income to keep from living from paycheck to paycheck. There were financial mistakes, mostly by me, as I’m the one who spends like there is no tomorrow. I think it’s called “retail therapy!” Well, tomorrow came and our credit cards were maxed out (and to make matters worse, there were too many credit cards).
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
I said, “We need to read from Katie’s new book Be Revived.” I opened up to a chapter about the Grace Court, and read the whole chapter out loud. We did the activations together, then prayed afterwards. For the first time, worrying, “Will God provide or not,” was not my automatic response. We both went on, completely forgetting about our declaration in the Grace Court, and didn’t even think about it. Katie’s book is very anointed. I believe that anointing put us in a new place of peace that did not allow one anxious thought about our financial needs.
“Do not be anxious about anything…”
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
About three weeks later, I received a call from my sister. Her husband is doing amazingly well in his businesses and they wanted to give to us out of their blessings. They knew we could use extra finances to pay off credit cards, and they were now out of debt and wanted us to experience the same. So, they gave us a gift, not a loan, and it was a huge amount! We were able to pay off several credit cards and bank an amount as a cushion, and are trying not to use that cushion.
The goodness of God astounded us! We knew this gift was a direct result of going to the Grace Court and repenting of making our own decisions, making wrong purchases, and being rebellious to spend money as we wanted. This gift challenged us to believe that we needed to learn a lesson, not repeat the same financial mistakes, and be better stewards of our finances.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
We have been giving to ministries for years. But, there was something about going into the Grace Court and doing everything Katie said to do. After all, the book’s wisdom comes from God, through a woman in ministry who has overcome many financial trials, and knows that your soul needs to be healed to handle finances properly.
Who is in control? God is! There is something about serving God that transforms us. He set up holy boundaries regarding finances in His Word. If we follow them, we are blessed. “Stuff” is no longer an idol. We want to love Him more and more and no longer worship “stuff”, but worship the King!
There is complete peace when loving God, for you learn to trust Him with everything! “Stuff” cannot do this; it is an idol, deaf and dumb. Stuff can’t love you, protect you, or even talk to you. God can and does. Our life can only be complete and fulfilled when we are surrendered to His will. Then we can fulfill our expected end!
Jeremiah 29:11
Do you recall a time when you did not allow God to be in control of your life? What made you realize that you had done that? How did you relinquish that control? Let us know about it by sharing below!
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