#440 Casting Both Circles of Care Upon Him
In listening to Christian Questions radio program last week the Circle of Concern and the Circle of Influence was mentioned.
The circle of Concern is everything we worry about that is beyond our control.
The Circle of Influence is what we have power over.
The challenge is to ‘cast all our care on Him, knowing He cares for us.’ 1 Peter 5:7
Both these circles are to be cast or propelled into His hands.
Both circles of ‘care’ [#3308 merimnah: through the idea of distraction] must be propelled into His hand. ‘For He cares for you.” The meaning of the word ‘care’ (#3199) suggests that he is interested in us, and concerned about our welfare. We matter to Him!
It is very helpful to me distinguish between these two circles. The Circle of Concern is beyond our control. The thing that we are instructed to do is to propel the issue to His care and leave the outcome to Him. There is, however, something we can do about the Circle of Influence: we can do what He leads us to do and trust Him to overrule the outcome.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge Him…” This is always within our power: to cast the issue to His control.
“And He will direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 He will direct us to continue to pray and trust, or He will direct us to take some sort of action amid our prayers and trust.
So its helpful to pray: Do I have influence in this matter? If not, it is our Circle of Concern and our job is to pray, to trust and to lean on His wisdom and timing.
If we have influence over the issue, then it is time to pray for guidance in what to do, and then to do it, with continued prayer and praise for whatever the outcome He overrules. Once I do what is in my power to do and once I let go of what isn’t in circle of influence, it makes it easier to go forward without worry.
A dear Brother in Christ shared a searching question:
What words of wisdom come to mind that will lead us through the valley of decision moment by moment today?
I sense this instruction:
Rest in Him. The answers are on the way.
Leave the Circle of Concern to His Unfailing Wisdom.
Be lead by Him regarding the Circle of Influence and do with your might what your hands are led to do and leave the outcome to Him.
He is working all things for good.
In Christ I am courageous to say what needs to be said and to do what needs to be done. Philippians 4:13
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