I Know How to Manipulate Lysa TerKeurst The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11 (NIV) Just because something great happens doesnt mean it is from God. I know this is true because I know how to manipulate and make great things happen. Honestly, I hate that word—manipulate. It rubs something rough and grainy into the softer places of my heart. But there it is. And I know it. Because sometimes I do it. I manipulate. I know how to sell an idea. I know how to go the extra mile. I know how to strategize to make my plan seem like a wonderful strategy. And not that any of this is intrinsically bad. Some of these things are qualities God can certainly use in good ways. But what if I use these skills and talents outside Gods will? To push past Gods timing, Gods direction, Gods plan to teach me stuff in the process? Sometimes I think He lets us push past His better plan to experience the consequences of our headstrong attitude. Boy, do I know all about that. Ive jumped headfirst into something I thought I wanted, only to find extreme stress, fear, anxiety, and an overwhelming sense of regret. Its great to know how to sell an idea. But its not great to do it outside Gods will. Its great to go the extra mile. But its not great to do it out of a desire to secure what I want—rather than out of a desire to serve another. Its great to strategize and have a plan. But its not great if that plan stretches me so I seek my desires more than Gods desires. I am learning to not always push so hard. Or run so fast. Or allow my personal desires to overtake waiting on God. Recently I had the opportunity to be considered for something huge. And I knew how to secure it. I knew the words I could use to sell my idea. I knew I could go the extra mile with my pitch and look impressive. I knew a strategy that could be implemented and the plan to propose. But what I didnt know is if this was Gods plan or my desire. If I knew for sure it was Gods plan, all my efforts wouldnt be manipulation—theyd be smart. But I didnt know. Therefore, all my pushing and plotting were manipulation. So, I stopped, backed off, and stepped aside. I waited. And then I doubted. It was hard to watch the opportunity slip away. But I reminded myself that this was a place where my trust in God had to step in. This was one of those times a deeper faith could be found. And so I trusted in the truth of Isaiah 58:11, The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Now, I can rest in the assurance that if something is to be, it isnt up to me. Its up to God. Its not that I just sit back and dont pursue things. I do. But, I give what I can give without manipulation. And then wait for God to give what only He can give. So, if He makes it happen without all my chaotic self-effort, then I will know it is His best. And if it doesnt happen, I will thank Him for saving me from myself. Dear Lord, I am so grateful for Your everlasting love and vision for my life. Help me to embrace the fact that Your plans are greater than mine. Humble my heart in the moments when I try to maintain control so that I can fully serve You. In Jesus Name, Amen
Posted on: Sun, 03 Nov 2013 08:10:05 +0000
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