lovers of God

Many people are “control freaks”—those who need to keep their world under constant control. Unfortunately, there are some things that are beyond anyone’s control. Recognizing which things we can do something about and those things we cannot control is a secret to success. For example, we can’t monitor what others say, but we can choose to pray for those who insult us. Worrying about what is beyond our control is simply human nature. What we can’t control, we try to manipulate. Yet, God says to stop manipulating circumstances and trust in him. Like the prisoner in this story, God reminds us to merely put his Word into action by fully obeying it. He will take care of the rest

Not long ago, me and some of the friends from youth group were discussing about how our youth group is going. Truthfully, it was depressing (as always), that everytime we talk about problems - wether about youth group or the people that we "care" about- it always ends up with this depressing mood... thinking "is there any solution to this world problems?"

And the answer is - apart from God - there isn't.

Sure, the problems might arises because of "church politics" - or something that a particular person did. The problems might arises from humans - and all the silly things they've done in the past or still is doing and will do in the future. And the more we think that by changing these humans will do something - the more we loose track of God. The more we forget that God is in control.

YES! I do agree (VERY STRONGLY) that we do have some parts to play. But what part!? To do our very best in ourselves and in the community. But what does that mean?! WHAT? by trying to solve the problems in the community? Or by keep on trusting in God - that God will use whatever means He wants for His kingdom.

I know these all sounds so passive and stupid and very naive of me - but - again, God loves little children. Why? Because they are smart and have all the solution to fix world's problem? Because they are strong? Because they are useful? Or because they are naive and they trust in God without asking questions and trying to take over His job?

I am not making excuses for myself to be lazy and stop working for His glory. I am trying my best - and I am always praying. But one thing that i've learned especially this year is that what He truly wants is our obedience. In the end - nothing in our hands we bring. What God wants from us is our full obedience to Him. Sometimes that means accepting that we are still not perfect, accepting that we don't know enough about Him, accepting that we haven't done everything that He had commanded us to do. Admitting that NOTHING IN OUR HANDS WE BRING.

Why is it - that we degrade someone and judge something so easily? Why is it so easy for us to think that what God wants is just a matter of material offerings (like church, money, hard work, ministry, how many people we have "converted"/"mentored")? Why is it so easy for us to bring God to our standard - thinking that He needs US to do His marvellous work?

Yes, He did gives us some responsibilities in His body - but is it ever to be the head? Who is the head written in all the verses in the Bible? If you can find a verse in the Bible that says - "Some were called to be the head" - then please tell me.

Maybe by not giving the solution, God is trying to teach us - just as He taught the Israelites in the dessert for 40 years. God is trying to teach us to fully depend on Him. TO fully acknowledge that He is the head! To fully acknowledge that this is all within His plan. To be obedient to Him. To pray.. rather than have "meetings" trying to solve the problems.

So, if ever God places you in a body that is full of trouble and imperfections- maybe that's a call from God to us to go back to Him - rather than to turn our back on Him.