The Illusion of Control

This past weekend was a big one at Cross & Crown.  Not only did we have our annual Yard Sale, which is our largest fundraiser for the year, but we also had our Youth Car Wash.  On top of all of that, it was Youth Sunday, where the youth of our church plan worship for both of our services at 8:15 and 10:45.

So much planning and hard work goes into events.  Anyone who has planned a wedding or even a kid’s birthday party (especially these days) understands this deeply.  We can prepare for every possible scenario and we can still be surprised.  Weather can complicate plans, personal conflicts can surface, and the list goes on. 

But we quickly learn (or should learn) that control is an illusion.  Do not misunderstand me; I don’t intend to diminish the importance of preparation.  But we should always remind ourselves that it’s not only us at work, but God is as work as well.

I have to admit, it was not easy to turn over the important decisions involving worship to folks who weren’t even legally allowed to drive.   But one of the key goals of that service is to trust them with the decisions so they feel ownership with the service and have “skin” in the game.  I cannot tell you how many times I wanted to step in or intervene, but I had to remind myself that it was THEIR service!

And wouldn’t you know it- they all showed up.  Each kid had worked hard and it showed.  It was clear God was working through them in powerful ways.  In fact, the service was said to be one of the best youth services in years. 

God is always at work.  I suppose it's part of the human condition to try to exert control in our lives.  And we try to control everything, don’t we?  Our relationships, our work, other’s work, our families.  But the result is usually just unneeded worry, anxiety, and stress.  When we “let go and let God” the results are often far greater than we ever could have produced on our own.

So this week, when you find yourself slipping into “control mode” take a deep breath, whisper a prayer, and give it to God.  And enjoy the blessings that result.

See you in church,

Pastor Brook