Control vs. faith in grace
” … But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved — … For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ….” Ephesians 2:1–22 – By Grace Through Faith (extracts)
I was watching a film the other day, in which there was a young boy of about 10. He was mowing the lawn, one day. His father came to the garden checking on him. He noticed a patch of grass not having been cut and said to his son: Son, you have left this bit out. Let me show you how to do it right!” The boy looked up sadly and nodded in agreement. A few minutes later, the boy was putting his model airplane together in the basement. His father showed up angrily complaining about the smell of glue in the house. “You are using too much glue, son! Look! Let me show you how to do it right!” The boy stood up and as his father set down at the table the boy left the basement silently.
When we try and control the outcome of a situation, we disempower all involved and prevent God’s generous gifts to be revealed to us all.
So, why do we try and control life?