Who is in Control? 
This devotional was written by Jim Burns

What good is it for man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? —Mark 8:36

When it comes to our life, we have nothing to say about our birth and little say about our death, but in between these two events most of the decisions are ours to be made. Are you letting life and circumstances control you, or are you controlling your own life and destiny with God's help. Don't let life pass you by when you have the God-given ability to make things happen. I've heard it said:

You can't control the length of your life, but you can control its use.

You can't control your facial appearance, but you can control its expression.

You can't control the weather, but you can control the moral atmosphere that surrounds you.

You can't control the distance of your head above the ground, but you can control the height of the contents in your head.

You can't control the other fellow's annoying faults, but you can see to it that you do not develop similar faults.

Why worry about things you cannot control? Get busy controlling the things that depend on you.

GOING DEEPER: 

1. What is your answer to the question put forth in Mark 8:36? 
2. Be honest with yourself and God. Have you been striving for the things of this world, or have you been striving after God? Who or what is in control of your life?

FURTHER READING: 
Romans 6:15-18

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