I had stepped out to get some pictures of the fireflies but instead there was a baby robin that caught my attention,  frantically looking for a familiar face, or place, or looking for something. The poor little things was hopping and calling out, back and forth and back and forth right in front of me.

It reminded me of how we/I tend to jump about, frantically trying to control things.  Maybe for you it looks like “fixing problems”. Or maybe it is about wanting to KNOW what is happening next and being prepared for the future.

Oh, it might not be as obvious in your life because you’re not hopping and chirping frantically. That would more accurately describe me too.  I don’t really get frantic and yell and scream at God.  But I sure to long and yearn for answers some days.  I sure would like to be set free from some physical issues that hold me back.  Like Paul, I have asked for healing. (see verse 8) I have wished for answers, direction, something…

Of course Paul has gone to the right place for answers. God can do anything!  This is one of those times that we see the difference between “can” and “will”. God is more than able to set Paul free.  Paul is doing amazing things for God.  The CHURCH is taking off like CRAZY, in great part because of Paul’s work.  My response to Paul would certainly be, of course I’ll give you what ever you ask for.  Your faith is so strong and you’ll be able to do My work more easily.  Consider it done!  But I am not God.

So why does God say, “no”?

Because His power is perfected in our weakness.
Because He needs us- to let Him- be our God.
Because we are not in control.
Because the only way for us to truly appreciate God’s sufficiency is to not rely on our own.

Because the best way for God’s power to work in and through us is to “plug in” to Him. Completely.  Without holding back.

I’m still a work in progress.  I’ll be willing to bet that you are too.

I wish that my life and your life could be smooth sailing and fancy free.  I wish all of the ducks could be neatly place in a row, that you and I could be prepared for every step of our lives.  I do, in my flawed humanity with it’s false sense of security, I honestly wish that.

However,  my prayer is that God’s grace be sufficient for you and for me and we are in awe of our powerful God and we are content in our weakness and lack of control.