WHO IS IN CONTROL?
- Key Verse
- "Then they said, 'Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.'" (Genesis 11:4)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
We can never do enough to reach God and close the distance between Him and us. Ever. But through His grace, this infinite separation has been bridged by Jesus.
Reflections
Often times I find myself attempting to attain a position exclusively reserved for God: control. Whether it be while making plans, doing ministry, or even writing this devotional, I end up depending on myself to be successful. I build my own towers because I want to be in control. I want to do what I think is best. I need to say this. I need to do that. However, as much as I might fight for it, control is not mine to have.The people building the Tower of Babel took the same approach. They did not want to submit to God nor let Him be in control. Instead, they wanted to be God and set out to build a tower tall enough to give themselves a respected name. But as imperfect men, can we do anything- whether it be building a tall enough tower (such as making enough money or even sharing the gospel enough) - to earn favor in God's eyes? To become His equal? Absolutely not. Nevertheless, we do it anyway. As a result, God often thwarts our independent plans, just like He did with the tower, and with good reason!
If God is all-knowing and all-powerful, why would He solve this issue of sin with an imperfect solution? Scrambling languages clearly didn't eradicate pride. So did God fail? Not if His purpose was to point to the only way to bridge that gap between us and Him - Jesus.
The Tower of Babel reminds me of what I tend to do in my own life. But control is not mine to have because the responsibility that comes with control is not mine. It (thankfully) isn't up to us to reach God. Instead, He left His throne to meet us in our fallen state so that, despite our inadequacies, we could know Him. And now, not only know Him, but be used by Him to help share the greatest story ever told! The only thing it takes is letting the right person be in control. Are you letting go?
Discussion Questions
1. Who is in control of your life? You or God?2. What are some Biblical examples of people failing to let God be in control? How did that work out?
3. What are some Biblical examples of people allowing God to be in control?
4. How can you let God be more in control of your life today?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Hill Country Bible Church NW.
Mark S.
January 13, 2012 07:02 AM
As a person who likes to build things, you provided a great perspective of the master builder's plans versus ours. As you point out, often times we build to control and don't let God control and direct as we build. If we let God do the designing and directing while we then He gets the glory and we get the blessing of being part of his plans.
Carla Hamlin
January 13, 2012 08:22 AM
Wow, this hit me right between the eyes. I am sometimes a control freak; I'm sure God finds this amusing at times. I am grateful to be reminded that He is in complete control and I pray to trust Him about this fact.
Diane
January 13, 2012 09:32 AM
Wow...Austin, you have been given a gift. Great devotional and one that really need to reflect on as I'm on the Journey to implement positive change in my life for 2012. God is directing my steps and is in control.
Ed Helbing
January 13, 2012 10:56 AM
Good job Austin. Control is a big assumption we all have. Learning what you can influence and what you need to leave to God was a great thing to help me also.
Doyle Adams
January 14, 2012 04:19 PM
What an outstanding devotion, except I would call it a very professional sermon that all of us need. I congratulate you on your words. We worship a great and loving GOD, all knowing and reading and willing to give us all the help we need. God Bless You, Doyle Adams, a personal friend of your Grand Parents!!