Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way which seems right to a man, But it's end is the way of death.

We do our part and HE will always do His part. What areas are you pursuing, plotting, planning and trying to produce life in that are coming up empty or lifeless? God is in control. Do what He has called YOU to do and leave the results to Him. He is our Enabler! He calls us to be obedient and follow him.  We are not responsible for the results.

Are there areas (be honest) in your life, marriage, parenting, work situations, leadership roles where you are trying to produce life but they are coming up dead? Have you done all the right things (as much as you can do) and yet, things have not turned out the way you imagined or thought they would? Could it be that you either knowingly or unknowingly have been IN CONTROL? Could it be that you have a TRUST issue? Could it be that you are using subtle methods of manipulation to "get the results" you want or desire?

I know for me looking back over the years I can say a hearty AMEN to that one!  God's word tells us in Jeremiah 17:9 - "the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, who can know it?".  It's true that if you are a disciple of Christ you have been given a new heart, a pure heart; but we can still deceive ourselves especially where our children are involved.  What's even worse is sometimes we add a layer of spiritual flavor to it. This is a hard one to see because the root of control and manipulation is PRIDE! Yes, one of the seven things God hates!

Hard to admit, but if we are COMPLETELY honest with ourselves and God (no shock to Him) and remember God also hates a lying tongue; we have to admit that there have been times, maybe even years where we have had such a controlling grip on those closest to us or were manipulating the circumstances that we have hurt more than we have helped. We like being in control. It gives us a sense of safety for a season.   The fallout or backlash from that tight grip of control can be very destructive. 

Recently, God has broken my heart once again by putting His finger on something I was about to do without realizing the fallout.  I was pursuing, plotting, planning and trying to produce life all in an effort to "help" and show "mercy" but that too has come up empty.  The backlash has been painful but I would rather fear God than man. I would rather fear God and live than fear the backlash of man's response and possibly bring destruction or even death by choosing to break God's heart!  Thankfully God's word stopped me in my tracks and showed me just how manipulative, mis-guided and down right wrong it would be in His sight, and it's Him I want to please.  

Proverbs 19:21-23 - Many plans are in a man's heart But the counsel of the LORD will stand.  What is desirable in a man is his kindness, And it is better to be poor than a liar.  The fear of the LORD leads to life.  So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.