Do you know any controlling, manipulative persons in your life? They are not pleasant to be around, are they? I know I don't want to become one. Maybe you yourselves have struggled with the desire to control. I know I have at times. This desire or craving usually makes things worse and produces the results that are opposite of what we expect/want. It also brings about anger, frustration, stress, fear, anxiety, discontent, pressure, and conflicts. It often damages relationships. The author of Control Girl shares valuable lessons from seven women in the Bible who had the control problem: Eve, Sarah, Hagar, Rebekah, Leah, Rachel, and Miriam. Their control issues led to a mess which serves as a warning for us. Shannon Popkin points out that there's a better way to live. Relinquishing control (surrendering all to God who truly is in control) and living by faith lead to a beautiful & victorious life. A life of sweet surrender brings peace, joy, and freedom. On the contrary, the
"I am the Vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5) It is our desire to always abide in JESUS CHRIST, our Lord and Savior, and to bear much fruit...hence "Fruitbearers." "The fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, and SELF-CONTROL. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23