LIVING FOR GOD (TM)

"Micro-Managing God" 

By Calvin and Lisa Wulf

     "If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."  John 15:5 (NIV)

     She rushes into her co-worker's office in a panic.  "This project is driving me crazy.  I've got too many variables here to deal with.  And they're all conflicting with each other.  But it's my job to make everything work out."

     Her friend looks up thoughtfully.  "Is it?"

     Our heads are spinning through flurries of details.  No matter where the chips fall, it's our responsibility to line them up perfectly. We're overwhelmed and out of control.  But we have to guarantee the outcome.  Don't we?

     If success hinges on us, then we have to do all the work.  So our strength comes only from ourselves because we're cut off from any other source.  But this isn't the only way.  After all, isn't there someone greater than us who's really in charge?

     Think of it like a giant chess match.  We may believe that we control the game, but the Master Player is looking over our shoulders waiting for a chance to make his move.  Could it be that we are holding the chess pieces so tightly that God can't play them? 

     Maybe we're really just assistants in God's chess game.  He calls us to pull out the board and set up the pieces.  It's our job to get the game started.  But then he says, "Step aside."  That means to get out of the way so he can work.

    Want to stop micro-managing God?  Try this:

·        Look at yourself.  Are you trying to make things work out on your own?

·        Calm down.  Talk to a friend who understands your struggle.

·        Only play your part of the game.  Then stand back and watch God in action.

     You may have been taught to charge ahead and solve everything yourself.  Standing still takes discipline.  But remember, the game doesn't belong to you.  So don't make God wrestle you to the floor before you let go of your chess piece.  Give him space to make his move.

Living for God (TM) offers resources on Christian living.  Check them out at www.livingforgod.net or call (719) 578-8837.

© 2007 Calvin R. Wulf and Lisa Are Wulf