Total Reliance Series

But Joseph learned this lesson well. By the time he interpreted Pharaoh’s dream he was able to refrain from seizing control. Notice how different his words were the second time around:

"And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:33

Joseph didn’t ask to be put in charge though he knew his destiny was to rule. In fact, he gave Pharaoh the entire strategy for surviving the famine before any promotion had been granted. Joseph didn’t even ask Pharaoh to let him out of prison. Rather than interject himself, Joseph allowed God to maintain control.

Back when I was still with the United Methodist Church, I sensed strongly that I was supposed to start a new church. With that call was also an understanding that I should let the group of people who would probably form the core group call me as pastor and initiate the process. The group met in my living room one evening and we had a good time getting reacquainted and talking. When it appeared to me that the conversation wasn’t going where I wanted fast enough I dropped the bomb, “So do you guys want to start a new church?” There was immediate agreement and all seemed well. Several weeks later, while still serving as a UM pastor, but meeting with this core group on the side, I met with my district superintendent to tell him that I’d be leaving my appointment and the UMC at the end of the appointment year. He was very concerned and grilled me about who I was meeting with, where the church would be located, and why we were doing it. When he found out that I had initiated the process and that some of the folks in the core group were members of a former UM church he told me in no uncertain terms that I was in violation of denominational rules and must cease meeting with these people. For several months I was unable to gather with this group to lead. It wouldn’t have happened if I’d refrained from attempting to control God’s plan. As always, though, I learn things the hard way.

Even if God has made His plan clear to you, do not attempt to seize control. It will come back to haunt you. Trying to take control will delay or damage what God wants to do through you. The more God can direct you, the more He can use you. Don’t try to direct yourself.

Having said that, let me add something to bring balance. I’m not suggesting that you be passive. There is a time to take initiative. That time is after God has given you the green light to go. The second condition for complete dependence is …

Respond to God’s initiative.

When God brought the opportunity, Joseph took it. When the door opened Joseph stepped through. God brought the dreams to the chief cupbearer and Pharaoh. He initiated and Joseph responded.

The people and the churches who are able to do this will be used in a significant way by God. They will send their time, energy, and finances effectively as they are responding to God’s direction. Therefore, it’s important to learn to listen for His voice and look to see what He’s up to. In his book, Experiencing God, Henry Blackabe says that our task is to find what God is doing in the world and join Him in it.