God’s job or my job?

Reflections

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Today we look at what, I believe, is a profound way to understand our life. How many times are we consumed with conflict, worry, or the desire to control, what in our life, is wholly out of our control? When it comes to the matter of disease, death, or even matters of the soul, we would do good to remember that God is in control. 

Proverbs 19:21 There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the lord, that shall stand.

I submit that there are many times in our life that we compete with God for his job. Let me explain what I mean:

First, consider the subject of worry. Some folks are all torn up with worry. Their quality of life is quite literally affected with their propensity to worry. Worries are like babies – the more you nurse them, the more they grow. So, why do we worry? You worry because you are fighting God for the driver’s seat – his seat. Worrying is saying “I’m afraid God is not going to get it right.” Oh friend, do not let worry rob you from the joy of the Lord! Worry extracts interest on trouble before it comes due. It constantly drains the energy God gives us to face daily problems and to fulfill our responsibilities. Don’t fight God for his job as Sovereign.

Another way that we can try to wrestle the reins of life from the Lord is in the area of resentment. You find yourself in the grip of a grudge, and you just can’t forgive somebody, even though we are commanded in Scripture to do so. What are you doing? You’re fighting God for his job of Judge. You say in your heart “I know what that person deserves, and I’m going to dwell on it until it happens.” The truth is none of us know what another deserves. You’re fighting God for his job.

Perhaps the greatest area in which we fight God for His job is the area of Savior. When we depend on our own goodness, our own ability, or our own merit to gain salvation, we are trying to assume God’s job, to be our own Savior. The Bible is crystal clear on this: Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. 

Christ did what we cannot do. He paid for the sins of mankind on the Cross. So, let us not fight God for his job. Rest in his finished work for salvation. Trust in his love and care for you in your circumstances. Forgive others as he forgave you. Do not fight for a position that none of us have – Sovereign, Judge, or Savior. Hey, God’s got it covered.