Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.
2 Corinthians 3:5 (NIV)
I have to tell you a story about my friend, Joe. I call him my computer pro! Over 10 years ago, a thunderstorm caused my computer to crash. A friend recommended Joe to save the day and rebuild all the computer files I thought I had lost. Computer work is often a long, laborious task. In the process of saving all my data, Joe and I became fast friends.
At that time, I was very computer illiterate. I sent and responded to emails. That was it. I’m assuming Joe felt bad for me that I had this wonderful machine that I was using only 10% of its’ ability. Joe gave me his phone and email encouraging me to call whenever I had questions.
Over the years, Joe has spent countless hours at my PC in an attempt to make things easier for me. Then a few years ago, he & his wife moved to Nashville, TN. That’s when he introduced me to Team Viewer. By using this program, Joe could get on my computer remotely and use my mouse to navigate wherever he needed to go.
The computer mouse controls any actions on the computer. While Joe was on my PC, I was always grabbing the mouse to show him what I had done. It actually became kind of comical! I’m trying to help you Mary. LET GO OF THE MOUSE!
How many times have we done the same thing with God? We plead for help, as we continue doing what we’ve always done. We expect the Lord to magically step in to make it all better for us. Like the opening scripture alludes, our competence comes from the Lord. Many times that requires a change in our own behavior and outlook.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
James 1:22 -25 (NIV)
We say we want God to show us a better way but are we willing to make a change in our attitude or our actual lifestyle? It may be uncomfortable for awhile. See my blog post https://mvarga.com/life-inspiration/uncomfortable/.
Uncomfortable does not mean bad. We need to embrace what the Lord is trying to show us. Ask Him how He wants to make it comfortable and routine in our life.
Maybe the life change we want will NOT make us uncomfortable. We’re just not sure how to go about it. Talk to the experts. Do some investigative reading. Then be sure to cover both those plans with prayer.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
God usually asks us to let go of our control (or lack there-of!) in situations we encounter. He wants to show us a better way. Whether it’s a relationship, a career goal or a physical issue, give it to God first. Pray! Pray! Pray!
Then be sure to praise Him for putting people in our lives that will help us to let go of the mouse!
Dear Lord,
Here we go again…trying to control everything ourselves! Thank You for Your infinite patience as we turn away from You, trying to do it all on our own.
Help us to trust Your love for us. You may take us down an uncomfortable path. Remind us that You know what we do not know… Thank You for leading us to the right path by placing people in our lives to help us.
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