Make me strong

Sunday Matt preached on Habakkuk 3 and the truth of our control over our lives--or lack thereof. Today I had a visceral moment of realizing how much I still think I hold power over various aspects of my life, as something I was counting on happening in a job-related matter didn't happen. I was disappointed, I was hurt, not to the point of some kind of tragedy but how frustrated and even angry it made me just went to show how much I still hold up control and comfort as an idol in my life. Thankfully, that realization was broken in such a way that the Spirit was able to minister gently to my spirit and let me confess my frustration and idolatry to a loving Father, one who has already covered my sin with the blood of His Son and strengthens me with the Holy Spirit.

Control is an illusion, and God's calling on my life is higher and greater than any bump in the road ever could be. While my control is nonexistant, wishful thinking of a rebellious mind that desperately needs to be transformed, God's control is absolute. Romans 8 is full of the truth of that promise:

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.--Romans 8:26-30

Knowing the truth of that passage I call to my Father, I confess sin and pray for strength. Going to God I become stronger, strong enough to endure whatever life contains, because having my identity in Christ means I live as His son, with all the promises that contains. Make me stronger, Lord...let me serve Your call on my life and don't let me stumble from momentary pain. You are bigger.