Release Control

The second area of prayer for us to visit is where we invite His Kingdom to come. That is where we invite His rightful authority into every area of life. Once again, please understand that God is already sovereign. He is already in charge. He is the Lord of lords and the King of kings. He is certainly King over us. His rule will come with or without our invitation. At His name, every knee will bow and submit. They resist now, but when God’s glory is revealed to them, they will willingly and rightfully prostrate themselves in His presence.

Our passion in prayer to become intentional and eager to both know and participate in His desire. It is more involved than merely saying, “Hey God, I hope you get your way someday.” We carefully consider what we know to be His will (as presented to us in scripture) and insist by prayer that these issues become evident in our lives. For example, we determine what the requirement of love is for a situation and apply it. It might be as simple as learning that I can love my wife by doing the laundry.

Asking for wisdom and more revelation is a legitimate request of God. I’m sure we are all eager to understand many mysteries. But we shouldn’t dwell on these to the exclusion of His very simple and easy-to-understand will. God has been silent about why He allowed my mother to suffer. I may never know. What I actually know to be the will of God right now is for me to love my wife by doing the laundry. You may laugh. But it’s true. It is my privilege to serve both God and my wife in this way today. The coming of His Kingdom isn’t always something on the magnitude of a holy war. We often want the coming of the Kingdom to result in large numbers of people, big buildings and, the change in governments. Today, I believe the Kingdom of Christ has manifested authority in the laundry room.

We do the same for the humble and servant mind of Christ. How would a servant act toward a spouse or co-worker or child? Should I be a part or should I stand apart with regard to purity? If a wrong is occurring, am I the voice of righteousness? We explore what life looks like when He is in charge and get busy building the evidence.

We are working to put God in charge of our calendar, schedules, cell phones, thoughts, and glances. Maybe it’s not God’s will to change your boss right now. The coming of God’s Kingdom might look like a change in your attention budget. It may mean we have to pick up a mop.

Whatever it means in your life, seek the will of your King. It might be earth-shaking. I hope it is for you to change a multitude. It is more likely that we are not the famous heroes of faith but play some supportive and hidden role. Know that the goal is not the applause of millions but the approval of One who says, “Well done.”

Just be aware that His will might look different than you expected. It might not be what your grandmother said it would be. Let us be busy seeking the desire of the Kingdom for our lives. Insist that your life replicates God’s aspirations and agenda for you. If it’s something big, swing for the fence with all of your strength. If it’s not the home run but instead a play to advance another player, be excited and eager to do what is asked.