For those of you who don’t know, on the world race application there is a question about control.
I don’t recall exactly the way that it was put or if I’m just lumping it in with OCD. Regardless, I remember thinking to myself ‘no, that’s not me’. And just for good measure, I tried to think of all the ways I’m not controlling. When my friends and I go out, I don’t have to pick the place, if my sisters don’t want to tell me something-that is okay, and it’s not like I’d go around dressing the people I date. In fact, most people would probably describe me as a “chill” or “go with the flow” kind of person.
Totally not controlling, right? Wrong.
The last time I talked to my mobilizer we spent a lot of time talking about that scary ‘f’ word–fundraising.
This topic just brings back flashbacks of being a Girl Scout & going door to door selling cookies. In Girl Scouts, we talked a lot about not letting it get to us if someone says “no”. And I’ve got that whole self-love thing down(ish) and I’m totally okay with rejection (I think) because I understand there’s times when you just gotta say no.
However, it seemed like every suggestion my mobilizer was coming up with, I wasn’t loving. And finally I had to just tell her that I hate the awkward moments after someone says no and they’re trying to explain why. I don’t want to put someone in that situation. I don’t want to burden them especially if I already know (or think i know) that they’re struggling with time or money.
And her response was pretty profound for me.
She said, “Shelby, I know you’re trying to look out for these people. But by prejudging their situation, you’re controlling who gets to help you. In essence, you’re taking away their opportunity to bring glory to God’s kingdom by not asking.”
Proverbs 3:27, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”
She said, “I know it can be awkward, but God never intended it to be uncomfortable to ask for help.”
Romans 12:13, “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
James 2:14-17, “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
She said, “You are not a burden and you are not responsible for everyone and everything. I see that this is something that you’ve been carrying, and you need to lay it down to Jesus, girl.”
Hebrews 6:10, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
So while my need to be in control may be aimed inward at myself, it does effect those around me. It does mislead me from Christ’s plan that is already flawless.
I need to trust that God’s plan is more perfect than mine, know that He is in control, and act accordingly. I need to pass the baton as I was commanded without worrying if the next person will drop it for that part is between them and Jesus.
I pray this for you, too.
XOXO,
Shelby
