Biggest Loser: Losing Control

Some people really like to have control. Not just self-control in the sense of managing themselves like normal citizens, but to be able to have all the say in their life.  To have someone else responsible for things in one's life takes a lot of willingness to submit.  Too often, even when forced, we just cannot do it.  Ever known a parent that leaves their child(ren) with a babysitter and is either calling the sitter or wondering how the child(ren) is/are doing?  They've given up control physically, but can't mentally.

One area I wish I could control is the highway and other drivers.  I hate to be in slow moving traffic, being stuck behind semi trucks, construction zones, bad weather and anything else that interferes with my travel time.  I hate to be trying to get home with drive-thru and not have the ability to just pull out from the restaurant or be stuck behind a driver that won't "go" when there is plenty of time to make a turn.  Those are all things that get under my skin.  You may not be bothered by those things, but there are probably things you are bothered by.  That is us trying to be in control.  I've tried to learn to seek God in those "slow" situations - but I can't say I've never lost focus back on my irritation.

As we try to have all the control, God has probably reminded us several times that we're not in control, but He is in control.  As much as I try, there always seems to be something to remind me that I am not.  It may not always be a "God-thing" but just that I'm not in control.  Yesterday, as we continued on our series about the "Biggest Loser" we talked about how we sometimes need to lose the weight of "control".  As we think about that message from Daniel 4, dealing with Nebuchadnezzar, here are some applications to choose from to use this week...

1. Think about an area you may struggle for control:
• food (buffet or sweets)
• driving
• kids
• spouse
• money spending in your household
• workplace
• sports team
• time management
• Other:______________
• Pick one to pray about this week.
2. Do you know of an area to pray about for someone else this week? (if not, pray for me)
3. Reflect on why you may struggle with control and what do you gain from trying to control it.
4. Tragedies tend to humble us very quickly.  Imagine if the area that you tried to control was taken away, how important would it be then?  I am thinking about the book "The Shack" as I write that question.
5. Are there areas you need to lose to be a "healthier" person (control, priorities, yourself, fear)?  Are you struggling to give up control so that you can give up the area that you are trying to shed?

If I were a delivery person, I would have be so focused on the driving aspect of control it would test me continually. To give up the control that I would be aspiring to have would be so freeing.  I would not be so concerned with the other drivers, in the area of selfishness or control.

You too, my friend, would do well to lose the "weight" of control that is keeping you unhealthy and slowed down.  Will you join in with me on this quest to be a "Biggest Loser"?

 

Social Bookmarking Links