Outta Control

Thanks to my husband, Gregg, for co-writing this post with me.

Since Gregg spoke last week on Losing Control, we’ve received several emails, questions and comments. God is in control and although He gives us a limited authority for a limited time, ultimately, He controls the outcome.

While Gregg’s message was about acknowledging that God, and not I or you, is in control, the most frequently asked question we received this week sounded like this: “How do you move forward after spending years in an unhealthy, controlling relationship or environment?”

Good question.

From our experience, here’s a couple of thoughts that have helped us move out of these types of situations and forward into what God had for us.

1. Honor God in all that you do and refuse to hold on to offense and bitterness. This is always much easier to say than to do. With sadness, I know some who have rejected God altogether because of the way another person (Christian) treated them. Sin is real, our world is broken because of it; hurt and pain are a common part of our human experience. Refuse to blame God when others hurt you. Hold to God, forgive and let go of offense.

2. Get into a healthy environment. Before I got glasses, I thought I could see clearly. It wasn’t until I put on the glasses that I began to realize how distorted my vision really had become. Controlling environments are usually isolated environments. Move forward by getting into a healthy environment where you can begin to see clearly and live with the freedom Christ offers.

3. Take responsibility. It’s important to take responsibility for your life. Desiring to please people and avoid tension can lead to surrendering decisions as to how we live our life to others. We’re responsible to God, not someone else, for how we live our lives, the way we use our gifts and talents and the choices we make. Choose wisely. Choose to please God.

4. Dream. God has big plans for your life. Love God, love people and make disciples. It’s all right to dream big and go for it!

5. Oh yeah, remember that He really is in control.