A Matter of Choice
Now in the last two pages I have covered admitting that I am powerless over people, places, thoughts, actions and that my life is out of my control. Next, I covered that Jesus can and will renew my mind and place within me his divine nature that shall, by his power, overcome that sin nature within. Now where does this leave me? If I cannot control myself or those around me, what can I do? How do I grow in spiritual maturity?
Growing in spiritual maturity is a matter of choice. In order to grow, I must choose to let the Lord be head over all I am and do. And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2). I am called to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. This is a choice. This day, I must choose to turn the care of my will, my life and all those around to the care of God. Today, make a decision to be renewed in your mind. Read his word, pray. Let him know that you want him to be in total control over you. I know that he works all things for the good of those who love him, so I must learn to accept those things in my life that I thought were bad and look for the good that he is working in them (Romans 8:28).
This is easy to say: I will turn my mind, life and all those around me over to God. However, to actually put it into practice, how do I do it?
1. I have received “do it yourself” messages most of my life. Through my parents, television, in church, through teachers, etc., I have heard these messages over and over again. How have you heard these messages, who from, when and what do they mean to you?
2. When you consider turning all things over to God; your mind, your circumstances, those around you, your will, etc., how do you feel about it? These feelings could be scared, mad, afraid, or whatever you feel. Describe how it feels to totally turn everything over to God.
3. When you consider turning all things over to God, what are you afraid of? Are you afraid that he will not do things the way you think they should be done? I know that was one of my fears. Describe what fears you have related to turning everything and everyone over to the care of God in Jesus.
4. Through the years, I had erected walls all around me. No one could truly get inside them. I believed that was the way I could stay safe and not be harmed. I had no idea what a healthy boundary was. What kind of boundaries do you have?
5. Think about someone who has hurt you and describe what you believe a healthy boundary could be that might allow you to escape hurt without doing harm to yourself. Do you believe that Jesus can help you learn healthy boundaries?
6. Do you ever not say “No” when no would be the right thing to say? Do you believe that turning your will and your life over to Jesus could help you learn to say no to harmful things?
7. In my years of learning about God and who he is, I realized that my view of God was not a real view. People around me had caused me to believe he was not like he truly is. My contact with so many hurtful people led me to be unable to trust even the God who created me. Is trust a problem for you? Do you believe that God can be trusted? List the areas that you are lacking in the ability to trust God to handle. Can he handle your finances, your health, your family, or your thoughts? Tell what areas that trust is a problem for you.
8. Describe some of the relationships in your life and how they have led you to have fear and a lack of trust in your life. Realize that this is NOT and attempt to place blame upon others for your problems. However, it is important to start where you are and work from there.
9. Do you use God as a “God in a box” to do as you bid and then get mad if he does not do things the way and in the time you think he should? Do you view him as a genie in a bottle to do what you desire him to do? Describe how you have done those things.
After doing the above exercises, if you find that you have a really skewed view of Jesus and God, feel free to talk to someone, even email me, and see if you can learn what he is really like. Jesus never changes. He does not lie. He works all things out for the good of those who love him. He never leaves you. He never forsakes you. He is with you in and through all things. Jesus is a God of love and a God of righteousness. He has walked in your shoes. He understands what it means to be human and live with the human hurts and disappointments. He is a God who understands. He will help you.
Having worked through the above exercises and checking your view of Jesus, you must choose to turn your will, mind, life and those around you to his care, totally and without reservation. Then, you free him to begin that good work in you that he will carry on to completion (Philippians 1:6). Having done these things, it is necessary to surrender, totally and completely, to the best that you can do, all of yourself and those around you to his care. Do not be concerned for once you begin, he will take over and carry you through. Write a statement telling him that you choose to give him control of yourself and those around you to his care.
Father, I lift those to you who so struggle in giving complete control of their lives to you. Father, we are powerless over so much in our lives. Help us to know with our minds and our hearts that you have all power and all control over all things in heaven and on the earth. Help them to come to that point of complete and total surrender. In Jesus name help them to pray a prayer similar to this one that follows. Father, put the words in their mouths and hearts, in Jesus name, amen.
Father, I have made such a mess of my life and I cannot continue under my own power. Help me to trust you. Remove this fear of letting you take over. Father, I do believe, but help me in the areas of doubt. Today, Jesus, I choose to let you take over. I am getting out of the pilot seat and I am letting you take over. Take this mess that I have made and make it beautiful according to your good and perfect will. Father, in the name of Jesus, this day I choose to allow you to control my thoughts, my mind, my actions, my will and to take care of those around me. I know that I cannot do it. I have tried and failed. You do it for me from this day forward, in Jesus name, amen.
