Good morning everyone. For some time now, I have been seeing and dealing with control issues in and around my life. In my search of the scriptures for help in the situation, I came upon the book of First Samuel and was given some insight. As you know I try to share as I learn and develop in my walk so get ready.
Today’s Prayer
Father, I’m here this morning on behalf of my brothers and sisters in Christ to say thank you. There is nothing like the feeling of being loved! You created us to love and be loved and we thank you for all the love you have given us and shown us throughout all our days. Thank you for all the special touches and blessings that let us know you care about even the smallest details of our lives and that you love us no matter what. Thank you for friends who are there for us and that we can be there for, through the seasons of life. Thank you for the love of parents and children and extended family. We are grateful for the love in our lives. We pray that every person will experience love, especially your unending, far-reaching, peace-bringing, merciful and unconditional love. We love you. In the name of Jesus I pray and offer my whole-hearted love and thankfulness. Amen.
Let’s eat.
The Need to Control
“You acted foolishly,” Samuel said…. – 1 Samuel 13:13
The prophet Samuel had anointed Saul the first king of Israel. Saul was now 30 years old and was leading the nation in battle against the Philistines. The Philistines had gathered at Micmash to come against Saul and his army. The Lord was directing Saul through the prophet Samuel. Samuel instructed Saul to go ahead of him to Micmash, and he would follow in seven days. He would then offer a burnt offering on behalf of the people of Israel.
The pressure began to build as the Philistines gathered around Micmash preparing for battle. The people of Israel became scared and began to scatter throughout the countryside. Saul was also afraid. Samuel did not show up on the morning of the seventh day. Finally, Saul, fearing that they would be attacked at any moment, took it upon himself to offer the burnt offering. After he had done this, Samuel showed up.
“You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, He would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after His own heart and appointed him leader of His people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command” (1 Samuel 13:13-14).
Saul believed he needed to take control of the situation. Whenever we try to take control of a situation out of God’s will, we demonstrate that we are led by fear. Many a boss is so driven by fear that he attempts to manage by over controlling his people. This results in co-dependent relationships in which the employees are fearful of making the wrong decisions, and are driven to please the manager at all costs. This results in loss of respect for the manager. Many times the employees make poor choices just to please their manager; as a result, resentment begins to build among the employees due to the manager’s over-control.
Do you see any signs of over control in how you relate to others?
Can you allow others the freedom to fail?
Do you find yourself changing directions in midstream when you see something you don’t like?
Are you fearful of failure?
These are all symptoms of a Saul-control spirit. Pray that God will allow you to walk in the freedom of trusting in Him and those around you.
Quote of the Day
More than once Jesus deliberately addressed certain issues that quickly diminished the number of onlookers…it was commitment that thinned the ranks.
Charles (Chuck) Swindoll
WITH HOPE AND FAITH
REV. ELDER G E STERRETT
FOUNDER
GCKRS HELPING HAND FOUNDATION – THE RELATIONSHIP FACTORY