8 Ways to *Lose* Control…and Let God Take Control
According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, control is “to have power over” something. As humans, we love to have control over the things that we do. We love to have a plan. We have grown up hearing advice like this:
“You can do anything you set your mind to do!”
“Follow your heart!”
Nevertheless, when things don’t go the way we’ve planned, we can feel disappointed, unfulfilled, anxious, sad — even angry. We might have pictured our lives differently than they’ve turned out to be.
But what does the Bible say about control? Are we called to carefully determine every detail of our lives, and expect them to come true? Are we called to strive for a planned life? Not quite.
I. Let Go.
For Christians, the process does not start with our “plans” or desires. We are called to deny ourselves.
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23
“And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh, with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:24
Yikes! That sounds hard! But don’t worry. It doesn’t end there. When we commit our lives to Christ, and let Him take control, He not only reveals to us the things we should “let go” of, but He is with us every step of the way.
“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
God’s intent is not that we would live a life of discontent, sorrow and shattered dreams.
“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10
A life worth living is a life with Christ. After all, it is the life each of us was created to live. There is nothing more fulfilling than living inside God’s will!
Do you want this rich and satisfying life? If so, what are some other things that you can do to let God “take the wheel”?
II. (Fully) Obey
Often times God tells us to do things that don’t seem logical, or normal! Sometimes He commands us to take a plunge at something we are completely new to. It can be scary!
Nonetheless, whenever God tells you to do something, do it. Be diligent. Follow through.
It can be something as simple as praying and reading your Bible each morning to something as radical as leaving your job or serving as a missionary on a faraway country.
Whichever the case, don’t try to find a middle ground between your current desires and God’s will. Half obedience is disobedience.
In the Bible, we can see what can happen if we don’t obey God. The result isn’t pretty.
In 1 Samuel, God told Saul (a young man whom the Israelites chose as king) to destroy the Amalekites and their possessions.
Saul did!…sort of.
He kept all the sheep and oxen, instead of getting rid of them, as God had commanded him. He did not follow God’s word all the way.
To make it worse, instead of acknowledging that he had – indeed- disobeyed, Saul started justifying his actions.
Saul said to him “…I have performed the commandment of the Lord!”
But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?”
And Saul said to Samuel, “But I have obeyed the voice of the Lord, and gone on the mission on which the Lord sent me!
So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king.”
Ouch. Saul’s acts of disobedience cost him his crown. Often times we hinder God’s blessings for our lives because of this one thing. Obedience is key! Either we are following the Lord, or we are not.
Is there anything God has told you to do that you’ve been “half” obeying?
III. Expect warfare
The Christian life is perfect! NOT. Contrary to popular belief, we are actually called to expect trials and warfare. As we get closer to God, we are a bigger threat to the enemy, so he’s going to do anything possible to make us fall.
1 Peter 5:8 says “be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
If we are not strong with Christ, life’s circumstances will take us off guard and can knock us off our feet. Nevertheless, if we cling to God, He holds us:
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24
We are called to be vigilant; to remain constantly in prayer, read the Word and get together with other believers. We have to seek Him daily! Don’t trust in yourself. If things are going good, don’t lay back. Don’t get comfortable.
“Therefore let him that thinks he stands take heed, lest he fall“ 1 Corinthians 10:12
The good part? God promises to give us peace in the midst of trials and uncertainty:
“And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
IV. Don’t compare yourself to others
Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?”
Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?
As for you, follow me.” John 21:21-22
Peter was asking Jesus about John.
Jesus’ response? “That does not concern you! Just follow me!” How often are we like this! We see other people being successful at different areas of their lives and we start asking the Lord: “what about me?”
In the words of Os Hillman:
God has called us to a unique life that may look totally different from anyone else’s life. Once we begin to compare ourselves to others, we begin to live for others and ourselves.
Embrace the life God has for you. Protect it.
If you are following the Lord, then events won’t happen any sooner and any later than they should.
God knows what you need. If marriage or singleness is your concern, be sure that that exact moment you need a man, that exact day when God knows you NEED a husband, God will provide you with a person.
Don’t look or envy other people. That’s their life, this is yours. God knows your every desire, and He wants to bless you.
Another quote from Os Hillman:
There is a time for everything. If God has called you to some endeavor and you are frustrated that it has not manifested, know that times of preparation and simmering are required before the vision can be achieved. Seldom does God call and manifest something at the same time. There is preparation. There is testing. There is relationship building between you and God that must take place.
V. Don’t doubt God’s ability to take care of you
Often times, we look at our circumstances and we get anxious if things don’t go as planned. Not knowing or being certain of our future can also be a factor that is the start of worries in our minds.
We find it hard to trust God is in control of our lives. We don’t have peace.
Yet, when we commit our lives to Christ, He commands us to do this one thing:
“Be still and know that I am God….” Psalm 46:10
This anxiety that we feel stems from one very determining thing: we doubt God’s ability to take care of us.
Jeremiah 29:11 says “for I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Do you believe this to be true?
Is your vision of God hindering your ability to trust in Him and let go?
God knows what you need, and when you need it. Trust that He will take care of you!
He is able.
VI. Rid yourself of presumptions, “what if’s”, and what you think “should” happen
“Nevertheless, in their presumption they went up toward the high hill country, though neither Moses nor the ark of the Lord’s covenant moved from the camp.” Numbers 14:44
In Numbers, we can see that when God told the people of Israel to conquer the land, they doubted. They were afraid, so they didn’t do it. They didn’t embrace God’s plan for them. They didn’t trust God would take care of them. They assumed control.
Later, they regretted it, but it was too late to go. It wasn’t God’s time or way anymore, yet they presumed they could still do it. Even when God warned He would not be with them, they trusted in their strength and tried to conquer the land. They lost that battle.
Often times we presume that things should go a certain way. We think:
“If God was with me, this shouldn’t have happened!”
“If this was truly God’s will, this and that should have happened by now!”
Nevertheless, God sees the bigger picture. He sees the purpose for every little detail in your life. Whenever you start assuming or over-thinking details in your life, look to His promises. God tells us:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9
God also assures us that “for those who love God all things work together for good.” Romans 8:28
We need to get rid of presumptions, “what if’s” and over-thinking. We need to let go and not be anxious. God’s in control. He has your best interest.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
VII. Don’t lose sight of God
“After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day….” Luke 2:43-44
Mary and Joseph lost track of Jesus when he was a boy. They were traveling for the Festival of the Passover, and they assumed he was with them. He wasn’t!
In Os Hilman’s devotional “Going Without Jesus”, he asks us a very important question:
Are you experiencing daily, even moment-by-moment, fellowship with Jesus? If not, you will wake up one day and realize Jesus is not with you in your endeavors. It may, like Mary and Joseph, create a certain fear in you that you may have lost a very important relationship.
Jesus said He would never leave or forsake His children. However, we can walk away from His fellowship by refusing to be with Him. Do not let this happen to you. He longs to have daily fellowship with you because He loves you.
That being said, seek Him continuously.
Read the Bible.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Pray.
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests…” Ephesians 6:18.
“Pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Sometimes, God will call us to retreat – to go away from our daily routines and seek Him.
“The hand of the Lord was upon me there, and He said to me, ‘Get up and go out to the plain, and there I will speak to you.'” Ezekiel 3:22
Don’t get too busy. Like the popular saying goes: If you’re too busy to spend time with God, you’re too busy.
VIII. Enjoy life! (Really)
“Delight yourself also in the LORD: and he shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalms 37:4
“…and whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he.” Proverbs 16:20
“Young people,it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do. So refuse to worry…!” Ecclesiastes 11:9-10
“...for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
Seek to be thankful. Enjoy your life. Don’t worry. Embrace your calling. Trust Him!
Laura C
I was pleased to find your webpage. I was searching for ways to surrender my life to Christ…no longer relying on my own understanding of how my life should be lived. Your words are inspirational and renewing to the mind and heart. I appreciate that your thoughts are biblically based. I thank God for Christian women like yourself that have the courage to share their faith and inspire others to do the same. Persevere and press on. Thank you!
natz
Laura, thank you so much for your comment. The answers to all of our questions are truly all in His Word!! I love to see how Jesus is working in women like us and drawing us to Himself. I encourage you to continue to press on to Him, and He will teach you Himself how to grow in faith and trust Him more! Read Hebrews 12 when you have the chance. Love in Christ, -Nathalia
Charles Pate
Thank you for writing this Nathalia! What you have written helps put my heart in the right place before I get to work and start my day. Unfortunately, my vocabulary is “totally lame” and I can’t put into words how much I appreciate what you’ve written, but please believe that I do!
Iva Thompson
I admit my life is currently a mess. But,after reading this I know if i learn to fully wait on God, pray daily, communicate with God; and pray without ceasing then I know a change is going to come. Thanks for sharing your post!
Nathalia
Iva, that is true! Like Numbers 23:19 says:
God will come through for you. He cares! No matter how messy life gets, He is greater, stronger and more powerful than your circumstances. You are loved and cherished by Him — I’m sure that, in its due time, there will be much fruit from this time that you start spending with Him and waiting on Him.
Danielle
Nathalia, this really blessed me. I thank God for your obedience in sharing this word. I desire to go all in and let God but didnt know how.Reading this is a GREAT start!! Continue to spread Gods word and changing people lives 1day at a time😉
Nathalia
Thank you Danielle!! I was praying for you, and felt a huge tug to pray for protection — in your thoughts, heart…
Know that He cares for you and loves you so much!! You are precious in His sight and no one or nothing can take that away. Continue to seek Him and don’t stop — He wants to bless you and give you new life, new opportunities and new beginnings in every area of your life. Again, He loves you SO much, Danielle! So so much. I can’t say that enough.
The enemy will try to take away what God has started, but it is important that you know that He is fighting for you. Nothing can separate you from Him. He has already forgiven and forgotten all of your sins and you are clean and spotless before Him.
I pray that you will find people in your community or church that will side with you like family. You are not alone — you are valuable and we need each other.
Big hugs, praying for you girl. Excited for all God will do in your life!
Nathalia
Jennifer
Thank you for this post, Nathalia! It was everything I need to hear. God has been asking me to release control over areas of my life…my thought life…I have been trying to keep control of my thoughts which has resulted in OCD….God is helping me let him into my life more and I’m starting to release control of this area and healing breakthroughs are happening..For someone who is a control freak giving up control is very scary but at the same time I’m starting to experience more of God’s love peace and presence…Please pray I continue to release full control and let God lead in all areas of my life..thank you! keep being the light for us…thanks for your wisdom and sharing your love of God with us.
Nathalia
Jennifer — I just prayed for you. It’s difficult to relinquish control because it’s part of our sin nature to want to have it! However, here is where God’s power over sin is powerful — He Himself is able to help us act in obedience to what He has shown us! He can give you discernment as to which thoughts are from him and which thoughts are not. Keep walking towards Him, spending time with Him in the Word and in prayer. God is there to strengthen you as you learn how to let Him lead you. Rooting for you girl! 🙂
Monica Miramontez
Hello Nathalia! First of all, what a beautiful name! I want to thank God for guiding me to read your post. I search for answers to my questions, doubts, and ways to serve Him. It seems I do assume and meditate on what coulda-woulda-shoulda happen…not waiting on Jesus to tell me what to do because I’m so wrapped in the unknown ( future). My realization is I need to WANT God to take over. Jesus is there ( knocking), I just need to open the door. Your post made me feel so confident in Jesus like He’s reminding me all is not lost like it seems! Thank you, Nathalia for being a messenger of Christ! Have a wonderful day! Greetings from Dallas, Texas
Monica
Rebecca Peterson
I can’t thank you enough for sharing this!! I’m going through pretty much the biggest time of transition that i have ever experienced. My whole goal this year was to be able to say by the end of it that i trusted in God and there has been no shortage of chances to test that! God opened a lot of doors for me able to move to a new place and start a new season of life and it has been so hard to believe that God will continue to take care of me despite so many of the things he has already done! God has made it clear where he wants me but I’ve been fighting to find security in that and wanting to take control of my situation, for things to work out when i think/want them to! It was recently revealed to me that although i have been growing in my trust of God i still haven’t given up control so i decided i need to study out giving God control and wrestling through that! this was word for word what i needed and I’m just so excited to be able to move forward in this aspect of my relationship with God. My soul is deeply encouraged by this and i pretty much cried through the whole post haha!! thank you again, i can’t wait to have a conviction on this and plant even deeper roots in my trust and love of God! 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Jaco
Hi
I would really like it if you can pray for me
My wife of 19 years has decided that she wants a divorce I know that its not Gods plan and I know I need to trust in God to fix this
Please pray that my wife would change her mind and pray for me that I can trust in God
Ash
Hi! I came across this message and it’s just what I needed to hear today. I’m a 32 year old woman who desires marriage and children. I’ve worked so hard over the years educating myself (Masters Degree), learning about myself and strengthening my relationship with God. I’m currently in a season where all my friends and getting married and getting pregnant. Sometimes I feel like I’ve been forgotten about. I’m happy for everyone but I often wonder when will it be my time. Sometimes I wonder if something is wrong with me. I feel guilty for these feelings as a Christian woman. Sometimes I just don’t see it happening for me.
Ivan
WOW! Honestly taken away by how much truth is on this page. I couldn’t have even imagined that I’d ever find a page as helpful and divine as this. God bless you.
From the U,K