Bargaining Doesn’t Help
Today's Scripture
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Thoughts for Today
It is common for people concerned about someone with a life-controlling problem to try to strike bargains with themselves, with others and with God. We might promise ourselves that we will be better. We will say the right thing next time. We will make things right.
We might even set up agreements with our loved ones to reward them for refraining from their problem behavior.
Or we might bargain with God and promise to give to the church or do some good deeds if only he will fix our loved ones' problems.
Consider this …
If you are in this bargaining stage, you need to understand that help for a friend or loved one doesn't depend on your performance. None of us is good enough to merit God's help. No one can be transformed except through Jesus. We need to accept our powerlessness to change another person.
Prayer
Father, all my efforts have failed. No matter what I do, I realize now that I can't fix my loved one's problems. But I thank you that you can. Your grace is enough. Help me to let go and trust you. In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from …
Concerned Persons: Because We Need Each Other by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. This study is designed for the many people who have a current or past relationship with a person who has a life-controlling problem. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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