Is there any message more contrary to the American doctrine right now than this?
You are average and you are not in control.
In a culture, media, and society that is constantly feeding you the idea that you, YOU, are special, exceptional, deserve everything your awesomeness commands; and if you just do “____” you will have complete control over your circumstances, your success, your relationships, your life.
Yet I ask you, if you could but take a two minute real evaluation of yourself, how many of you have ever actually felt this to be true in your life?
Common, of course we can be in control, we can even control the smallest aspects of our life now down to our phone bill…
Yep, reality *slap* in the face, and we are back.
Feel the anxiety, the pressure, the sheer impossibility of being this special, this spectacular, and having every single aspect of your life in perfect harmony yet? Are you starting to hyperventilate just a little or shifting uncomfortably in your success bought ergonomic chair?
Well, here is an idea, breathe.
Look, 99.99% of us will never have a building named after us, never invent the cure for cancer; we, yes me too, are average. And guess what, that is ok. No, more than ok, if we can just rest in this knowledge it puts us directly in a position to finally realize the second aspect. We are not in control, can never be, and were never supposed to be.
Can you feel the freedom creeping in? The weight lifting from your shoulders? The reality of not having to live up to impossible and ridiculous expectations leaving you?
Breathe…
You see, once we can put ourselves in the position to let go, we can achieve the position we were meant to live in (freedom, not control). We will be able to open our hands, hearts, and spirit to the Creator who is in control. The God who pursues us, begging us to let Him do what we cannot.
See if we can just open our hands, stop white knuckling every aspect of our lives, He promises to bring us joy, the ability and opportunity to do extraordinary things in our average lives, and allow us to find a place of peace, mercy, and grace. If only we will let go and trust…
He is perfect and in complete control, wanting and waiting for you to rest in that.
So, breathe, you are average and not in control and that is good.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16
“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20
Adapted from God Speaks in the Exodus series at The Village Church (well worth the listen).
