O Lord, Thou knowest what is best for us; let this or that be done, as Thou
shalt please. Give what Thou wilt, and how much Thou wilt, and when Thou
wilt. Deal with me as Thou thinkest good. Set me where Thou wilt, and deal
with me in all things just as Thou wilt. Behold, I am Thy servant, prepared
for all things: for I desire not to live unto myself, but unto Thee; and
oh, that I could do it worthily and perfectly!
Thomas A Kempis (1379-1471) priest, monk, writer*
Two questions come to mind when I read Kempis' snippet.
First, do we have to pray for God to, "Deal with me as Thou thinkest good."? Isn't that something He will already do? Or are we missing out on blessings and opportunities for growth because we don't pray such a prayer with fervency and consistency?
The second question I already know the answer to. Why don't I pray such a prayer with fervency and consistency? Answer: A lack of faith. A lack of faith that God's plan for my life is perfect. A lack of faith in God's goodness. A lack of faith in Gods' love. A lack of faith in God's wisdom. A lack of faith in God's strength.
A "lack of faith" is a p.c. way of saying fear. We are cowards. Scairdy cats. Chickens. Poltroons.
For this fear to be vanquished, a Christian must believe, down to their core, several things about God.
He is omnipotent. There is no force, organization, or person past, present or future that is more powerful than God. He spoke the universe into existence. He creates. He destroys. Nothing can stand up to His power.
He is omniscient. Nothing escapes God's knowledge. He knew us in eternity past. His knows our tomorrows. His decisions for our lives are based on perfect, complete knowledge.
He is omnipresent. There is nowhere we can go, no situation we can be in that God is not there also. Horrible day at work. God is there. Emergency waiting room. God is there.
He is personal. God did not just create the universe then retire to a villa in Palm Springs. He remains intimately involved with each of our lives individually and corporately. The world might seem to be spinning out of control, but nothing happens that God does not cause or at least allow. Not a sparrow falls from the sky without God's knowledge; and we are far more valuable to Him than a sparrow.
He is love. All the attributes listed above would be of little reassurance if God's very character were not love. All His involvement in our lives is driven out of His love for us. He sent his "only begotten Son" to live on this earth and die a horrible death out of love. God is love. He does not just love (verb), but He is love (noun). It is His character. His very essence.
It is human nature to fear giving up control. To say to anyone, "You have total control. You are in change of every decision I make, every road I travel, every cent I spend is frightening." But if we realize who we are handing that control to, it should make it easier.
*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- February 13
http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/8534/pg8534.html
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