Out of Control

So he said to me, this is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit', says the Lord Almighty. Zechariah 4:6 (NIV)

A friend is going through a divorce; your child is living in the consequences of a bad choice; your sister is dealing with a diagnosis. Life is filled with situations we with we could fix and yet we 're unable to do so. We can't make the hurt go away-we are not in control. Recently, I experienced some frustration as a good friend of mine was going through a difficult time. She had suffered a great deal of pain and even ventured into territory that was sinful and destructive. As I tried to encourage her and even call her to accountability in love, she did not respond. I couldn't do anything to take away her pain or make her respond the way I thought she should. This was extremely difficult for a control freak to take.

Around the same time, I had participated in a breast cancer walk which would generate funds for research and treatment. AS I wrestled with my friend's situation and her lack of response, my husband gently reminded me that my role as her friend was to love and walk with her and not run ahead of her or fix her situation. Just because I walked the breast cancer event, I can't fix cancer. It is not in my power to do so. But, there is One who can fix and heal all things.

In the book of Zechariah, the Lord is instructing His people to return to Him spiritually. Not only that, He wants them to rebuild the temple which was destroyed by their enemy. God speaks to the king of Judah, Zerubbabel, and says, "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit ..."The power did not rest with Zerubbabel but with his God. So it is with you and I. Let's be reminded the next time we face a situation which is out of control, that it is God's Spirit, not ours, which can convict, move and mold.

Dear Lord, forgive me when I attempt to push You to the side and take Your place. You alone are God and in control. Fill my heart with Your love and encouragement for those who simply need a friend to walk with. Amen

Jocelyn Hamsher