New Hope Christian Fellowship

I’m an over achieving control freak perfectionist. I know I’m not the only one out there. Here are some definitions from Dictionary.com to help you figure out if you’re one of the OACFP (over achieving control freak perfectionist).

o-ver-a-chieve, verb (-chieved, -chiev⋅ing): 1.) to perform, esp. academically, above the potential indicated by tests of one’s mental ability or aptitude. 2.) to perform better or achieve more than expected, esp. by others

control freak: a person having a strong need for control over people or situations

Per-fec-tion-ist, noun: 1.) a person who adheres to or believes in perfectionism. 2.) a person who demands perfection of himself, herself or others.

An overachieving control freak perfectionist is a person who likes to control each situation in order to obtain the highest results possible while proving he/she can do more than expected. The OACFP take on too many tasks, never ask for help, and live in a constant fear of failure.

Let’s break this down a little further for understanding.

Too many tasks: The hardest thing for an OACFP to do is say no to a project or task when it’s offered to them. Even if they have ten other projects already, they will accept more because they believe they are the only one who can finish it right.

I’m one of these people who collect projects because I believe I am the best person for the job. I’m also one who has a hard time delegating to others because, honestly, I just end up redoing it if it’s not perfect the first time.

Never ask for help: The second hardest thing for an OACFP to do is ask for, and accept, help with the things they take on. To do that would mean admitting that they can’t do everything on their own, which is admitting defeat.

I am a good one for this. I once refused help in making enchiladas for my entire school site staff party. They were a hit, but I was so wiped out from doing all the work that I didn’t get to enjoy them.

Fear failure: The third hardest thing for an OACFP is let go of something when they know it’s too much to handle. Even when things escalate beyond their control, they fight to keep working on it until the bitter end. Just the thought of failing on something is scary enough to keep pushing them on.

A co-worker once asked me, in a joking manner, “What’s the worst that could happen?” I answered, in a completely serious tone, “I could fail.” That says it all.

I’m so glad that God understands OACFP’s. He knows how hard it is for us to tell him how we struggle with the jobs we’ve taken on. He knows how hard it is for us to stop everyday and ask for help. He knows we’re afraid of failing each task. He knows it all.

“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.” Psalm 18:30-32.

This is the perfect verse for over achieving control freak perfectionists. It reminds us all to calm down and take it easy. God is in perfectly in control. That should be music to our ears and peace to our hearts. No matter if you’re and over achieving control freak perfectionist or not.

I, like many other people, watched the election results on Tuesday night. I have to admit that several of the people and issues I voted for did not succeed and I was a bit disappointed. However, I have learned that I will not always get my way and that sometimes you have to accept what happens.

Now, that night I was browsing facebook and reading some of the comments my friends made about those same election results. I have to admit to being bothered by some of the comments I read. The gist of those comments were that because of the individual who won, the country was going down the tubes. It bothered me because they sounded like sore-losers and, I think, they are giving one person too much power. Yes, he may be the future President of the United States, but he is only one man. And our God is more powerful than any one man, regardless of the job he may hold.

God is in control. Nothing will happen without His say-so. We need to trust Him and believe that whatever happens is because He allows it to happen. We are His children and He will take care of us. We may not always get our way, but He always gets His.

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases.” (Proverbs 21:1 – NIV)