American society values control over almost everything. We want to control things at work, things at home, our finances, our weight, our careers, and our relationships. In such a culture of control, where does God fit in? Can you really achieve success and happiness by turning your life over to God? Turning over control can be a scary prospect because we always think we know the most about what's best for us. We forget that God knows what's best. How do we begin to change that mindset? In order to take the steps necessary to turn over control to God we must purpose to live a life of obedience to Him, acknowledging that He does know what's best. The problem is that many Christians resist obedience to God. They don't even like the word obedience and question what it means. They rationalize that Jesus died and rose again to set them free. They don't want to be bound by the things God tells them to do. The assumption is that since salvation is a free gift, and they don't have to do anything to get it, they shouldn't have to live a life of obedience to God. So, they obey when it is convenient and rationalize when they don't. That's a formula for unnecessary worry and an indication that God is not in control of your life. What makes the difference is that when we listen to God's commandment to follow His counsel, we gain a life filled with His love, peace, and joy. This relationship begins the journey to a transformed life with God because we finally begin to fulfill the reason we were created, which is to glorify God. We can only do that when we are obedient to Him. At the very same time we purpose our lives to be obedient to God, we begin to turn control over to God and something amazing happenswe achieve the greatest joy in life. As our Heavenly Father, He knows what is best for us even though we generally think we know better than anyone. By being obedient, our desires become more in line with His desires and joy is the result. It's easy to see why letting God control every aspect of your life can be difficult for many people. What if after all the years you've spent trying to climb the corporate ladder to achieve career success you find out that the path you desire isn't the path God intended for you? Will you feel as if you've just wasted years of your life? Will you feel like you're settling for something less than you think you can achieve? The simple answer is no. You can take comfort in knowing that because God created you, he knows you even better than you know yourself. He knows how you think, how you feel, and what makes you tick. Also, His love is perfect. When you remove goals, activities, or possessions that have become more important than God in your life, you become truly free from earthly things that weigh you down in ways you didn't realize. Making God the number one priority and passion in your life changes your entire perspective. You will discover that your goals will be lined up with His goals for you, and you will experience lasting joy and fulfillment. It doesn't necessarily mean that you will change your career but your purpose in the career will be aligned with God's purpose. This path is certainly rewarding, but it is not without challenges. You may go through times when you find it difficult to do what God wants you to do. You may not always understand why He wants you to take certain directions, but He asks you to trust Him. He can always see the entire road map even when you might only be able to see a few yards down the road. It is when you continue to follow His lead, even through difficult and uncertain times, that you will be refined and strengthened by Him. You will emerge happier and wiser for having been obedient to God. What's stopping you from giving God control of your life today? What you gain will be far greater than anything you give away.
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