Loretta Gjeltema Home

As a woman who often believes she’s got control of her own life, it sometimes takes a peek into someone else’s life to drive home the truth. I read an article this week.  It was about young women who are not ready to have children, but who are concerned that at some future date they may desire children and find that the window of fertility has passed. So, they freeze their eggs. It wasn’t the egg freezing or even the ticking of the biological clock that got my attention, but quotes from the women. Here’s one that’s typical.

“The process, she said, “is a way for you to feel like you’re in control of your life, at least at the time you are doing it.”

Who hasn’t been down that path of thinking? We all have moments when we think we can wrangle control of our own lives, direct our destinies. But that is nothing but an illusion. And furthermore, it’s foolish.

The Challenge

I think one of the difficult things in a walk of faith is to let go of the control. Sure, we have dreams, but to walk in faith, we must hold those dreams and plans loosely and allow God to guide. We are kidding ourselves if we think we can make better decisions than God. Peter tells us that letting go in obedience is a key indicator of a changed life.

Because God loves us so much, he plans what’s best for us. Now I know from personal experience, that it doesn’t always feel that way when you are in the thick of it. But what I have learned about God’s nature, and my faith tells me it’s true. And as I’ve walked this path of Christ-following, I’m finally starting to figure out that life is a lot easier if I let go of my plans when it’s clear that God has something else in mind.

As I read on in the article, I noted that at least one of the egg freezing facilities had suffered from a power outage rendering the eggs non-viable. Women were suing. Now, I get that.  They went through a great deal of discomfort and paid a lot of money to store up those eggs for later use. I’ve invested in plans too. I’ve had those plans fall flat. I’ve railed at the disappointment I felt and pleaded my case.

As I throw a hissy fit, God is willing to listen to my disappointment. When I’ve exhausted the emotional storm, he points to his crucified son and asks “Are you ready to trust?” I see many examples in scripture where he patiently listened, but then he has the expectation that we will put the rant behind us and get lined up with his plans for us.

That’s as good a segway as any to the verses for September, reminders of the illusion of control and the power in letting go of that illusion.

Verses for September:

Week 1

So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then.    1 Peter 1:14 (NLT)

Week 2

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Psalm 37:23

Week 3

He determines the number of the stars and calls them by name. Psalm 147:4

Week 4

Accept the way God does things, for who can straighten what he’s made crooked. Ecclesiastes 7:13

Week 5

Now all glory to God, who is able through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

And Now…

Won’t you join me this month as we spend time examining our desire for control and our need to turn it over to the only one who is worthy?

Father, help us to recognize the power of filtering all our dreams and plans through your hands. We want to trust you to keep those that are good for us and discard those that will harm us. We want to hang onto you as life throws the hard stuff at us, rather than trying to hang onto control. We know that you have the power, the wisdom and the love to handle not only our dreams but the emotions that go with them. I’m so glad you see a bigger picture than we do. Help us to trust your love as we walk forward together.