In the hush of the early hours I settled into the wrought iron glider on the back porch and gazed across the western pastures where bur oaks bordered the field. To my right Angus mamas and their wee charges lounged in the shade of the barn while cicadas hummed an ancient chorus in nearby cedar elms. Mockingbirds pierced the air with indignant caws, and before me, an industrious feathered friend fetched twigs and carried them across barbwire fencing, over an open field, and into high branches of a waiting live oak. The ranch was about to host a young avian family in a fine new nest.
But one particularly large twig proved a challenge. Again and again the mockingbird twisted its yellow beak, tweaked its shiny head side to side, and tried to lift a twig that was clearly beyond its ability. After numerous attempts the bird bounced a few feet away, eyed a far smaller twig, comfortably balanced it in his beak, and easily flew to the favored site.
How often do I attempt something over and over only to fail again and again? But God still waits patiently for me to turn to Him and realize I am not in control; He is. I may profess reliance on His power in my life, but my actions say otherwise. The truth is that I actually disregard God’s power and choose my own . . . over and over, and fail, again and again. Do I really think I am more capable than the God of the universe whose very breath is all-powerful?
“Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being,” Genesis 2:7.
God’s power lifts my burdens and carries my load.
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation,” Psalms 68:19.
My job is to release control over people and situations to God, and any power I think I may have, is only an illusion at best. My power, my control is but a structure of smoke, appearing formidable but readily destroyed. God holds the power, the strength, the control.
So, what will it be today . . . reliance on God’s power . . . or yours?
Blessings of choosing reliance on God! Prayer requests?
“Dear Lord, help me step aside, turn toward You, and realize any power I thought I had is actually You working in my life. Thank you, Amen.”
Releasing Control to the Only All-Powerful One, PJ
COPYRIGHT ©2015 PJ Gover http://www.PJGover.com (blog) http://www.citygirlgoincountry.wordpress.com http://4homestore.com/devotionalbook.html (PJ’s devotional book)
Filed under: Practical Christianity Tagged: God lifts burdens, God's power, reliance on God, spiritual choices
