Dear Michael...

What does surrender control mean versus....giving up? And then when you have surrendered control ...do you still continue to have faith with works or.....do you just let it all go? just a little confused??? Is there a point where you have done all you can do and then...you give it all over to God and you rest? I am stuggling with the concept and maybe its because I am afraid to let go of control...or I am afraid of being passive and "just waiting on God"....I know that he wants us to do our part.....and then...??? I guess at this point I feel like in my situation that ...God is the only one that would bring this to pass.....and maybe I am having a hard time trusting....but I keep speaking his word out loud.....

Dear Lord, many time, Lord, we try to take control over our own situation. We ask that we can release our difficulties and let you be in charge. We pray and ask that you will continue to be with each of us daily. In Jesus Name We Pray Amen.

Dearest Butterfly, I'm glad you asked! I hope that you're in fine spirits today. Well to answer your question, I'll first say that one will have to give up self, to be loved by God, and in being loved by God, he will give us the knowledge to know that giving up means shutting the door to all options and quit trying. I use to, and still do occasionally (forgive me Lord) use energy in a negative way and say, "I can't believe that this situation (we're all guilty) continues day, after day, season after season, and decade after decade" I may even lie to myself (we're all guilty likewise) and say" I've tried everything, I've explored every option, there is nowhere else to go for help." (WWJD?) I'm also tempted to give up the *belief* that I will overcome the tendencies and patterns that escalate my *PITY PARTIES*: for Instance, over the years I've been guilty of repeatedly saying things to myself such as "No one will understand why I can't do this; besides, I hate letting anyone down." (trust God, not Man) Then I push till I drop-and wind up flat in bed trying to please false gods, facing this predictable outcome yet again! I ponder and pray ( road to righteousness, for Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life), for the strength and guidance that only God can give. The answer comes when I simply need to "let go of the "when" and "how" and "if" of my deliverances, and concentrate on receiving and *obeying* the Lord's guidance in *this moment.* Please study freddie Frances, and Barry D's supplications to the Lord, and the Lord will speak clearly to you about surrendering-vs-giving up! and about the questions that he posed to his people "how long, shall you waver between two opinions?" also, go to your search engine, and typr in: surrendering control verses giving up (spell verses/not vs) and you will be lead to various commentaries on this important subject. Be blessed! *AMEN*