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.
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”?
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?
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
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.
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.
“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
“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.
“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!
Be blessed,
Nathalia
proverbs31gal.com
“Then the Lord said to me, “Take a large tablet and write on it in common characters, ‘Belonging to Maher-shalal-hash-baz.’ And I will get reliable witnesses, Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah, to attest for me.” And I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the Lord said to me, “Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz; for before the boy knows how to cry ‘My father’ or ‘My mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be carried away before the king of Assyria.” The Lord spoke to me again: …”
Isaiah 8:1-22 ESV
“Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”
Zechariah 4:6 ESV
“But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.””
Matthew 19:14 ESV
““I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. …”
John 15:1-8 ESV
““This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:12-13 ESV
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.”
John 15:16-17 ESV
“Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”
Romans 13:10 ESV
“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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
“Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. …”
2 Thessalonians 3:1-18 ESV
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. …”
John 1:1-51 ESV
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Top Letting Go And Letting God Take Control Quotes
Browse top 26 famous quotes and sayings about Letting Go And Letting God Take Control by most favorite authors.
Favorite Letting Go And Letting God Take Control Quotes
1. “A deeper intimacy with God sharpens our awareness of sin, which causes a stronger need for grace and a freer offering of mercy.”
Author: Alisa Hope Wagner
2. “We don’t have to go back to my place, Angel. I can take you home, if that’s what you want. Or, if you decide you want to sleep at my place, on opposite sides of my bedroom with a Do Not Cross line drawn down the middle, I’ll do it. I won’t like it, but I’ll do it.”
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
3. “There was once upon a time a census officer who had to record the names of all householders in a certain Welsh village. The first that he questioned was called William Williams; so were the second, third, fourth…. At last he said to himself: ‘This is tedious; evidently they are all called William Williams. I shall put them down so and take a holiday’. But he was wrong; there was just one whose name was John Jones. This shows that we may go astray if we trust too implicitly to induction by simple enumeration.”
Author: Bertrand Russell
4. “I swear to God the woman sang the whole song, to my face. It was just so awkward, and every time I stood next to her she started singing it again. I thought how that would be like me going up to Britney and singing the whole of ‘Baby One More Time’ in her face. Can you imagine how weird that would be?”
Author: Cheryl Cole
5. “When we look to God as provider, we are surrendering our independence and trusting someone else to meet our needs, over which we have no control. Letting go of our ‘dependence on independence’ and letting someone else take control goes against natural human instinct. We need to fight the urge to take over and just let God be God, because He can provide for us better than we can.”
Author: Corallie Buchanan
6. “I didn’t take the typical path and go to college after high school. Instead, I saved up money from teaching dance classes and moved to L.A. But my family was so supportive – I never felt pressure from them. It’s crucial to find a support system, even if it’s not your family.”
Author: Dianna Agron
7. “They can keep me out’Til I tear the walls’Til I save your heartAnd to take your soulFor what has been doneCannot be undoneIn the evil’s heartIn the evil’s soulSeven devils all around youSeven devils in your houseSee I was dead when I woke up this morningI’ll be dead before the day is doneBefore the day is done”
Author: Florence Welch
8. “If God is real, and I believe he is, then he is outside of nature. He is, therefore, not limited by the laws of nature in the way that we are.”
Author: Francis Collins
9. “Once we have seen Him in a stable, we can never be sure where He will appear or to what lengths he will go or to what ludicrous depths of self-humiliation He will descend in His wild pursuit of men.”
Author: Frederick Buechner
10. “Neither said anything while they embraced. Sometimes words didn’t go far enough, the vessels of letters and the ladles of grammar incapable of holding the heart’s sentiments.”
Author: J.R. Ward
11. “Of course she had some pathetic illusions about herself or she would not be able to go on living.”
Author: Jean Rhys
12. “Marriage is all right. At least the person you’re having a go at is an adult. But motherhood… You’re given something totally dependent, totally in love with you and it doesn’t seem to come with a manual.”
Author: Jerry Pinto
13. “Religion is the organization of spirituality into something that became the hand maiden of conquerors. Nearly all religions were brought to people and imposed on people by conquerors, and used as the framework to control their minds.”
Author: John Henrik Clarke
14. “Prayer should be short, without giving God Almighty reasons why he should grant this, or that; he knows best what is good for us.”
Author: John Selden
15. “These thrill seeker people doing extreme sports…they have a hideous accident, go through agonizing recovery, and then go back to that activity that nearly killed them…that’s not facing your fear, that’s embracing your stupidity.”
Author: Kelli Jae Baeli
16. “Nikolai laughed. “Next time, bring a flask. Every time he changes his mind, take a sip.”I groaned. “I’d be passed out on the floor before the hour was up.”
Author: Leigh Bardugo
17. “I don’t want to wrong anybody, so I won’t go so far as to say that she actually wrote poetry, but her conversation, to my mind, was of a nature calculated to excite the liveliest of suspicions.”
Author: P.G. Wodehouse
18. “I was 11 when I first said I wanted to become an actress, and everyone looked at me as if I had said I wanted to go to the moon.”
Author: Penelope Cruz
19. “He walked as he’d learned to walk, with only a minimal limp, back straight, head held high in confidence rather than cockiness. He walked like a man who had learned to lean into God for whatever strenth he needed.”
Author: Robin Lee Hatcher
20. “Life is to be experienced in totality. Try not to blame others like spouse, parents, friends, fellow beings or situations for any suffering. .. Never allow your vibe to go to a lower level. This way you will attract more and more positive circumstances in your life.”
Author: Sakshi Chetana
21. “My mother was a churchgoing lady, so I always heard about God at home.”
Author: Smokey Robinson
22. “In recent years my understanding of God had evolved into increasingly remote abstractions. I’d come to think of God in terms like Divine Reality, the Absolute, or the One who holds us in being. I do believe that God is beyond any form and image, but it has grown clear to me that I need an image in order to relate. I need an image in order to carry on an intimate conversation with what is so vast, amorphous, mysterious, and holy that it becomes ungraspable. I mean, really, how to you become intimate with Divine Reality? Or the Absolute?”
Author: Sue Monk Kidd
23. “A relationship means you come together to make each other better. It’s not all about you, and it’s not all about them. Its all about the relationship.Support them in their dreams/vision just as much as you would expect them to support you. Make each other better. Challenge each other to go beyond average. Pull out the greatness from within each other.Make sure they can find their biggest fan in you, and you can find yours in them.”
Author: Trent Shelton
24. “I don’t harp on what I could change about the past, because I can’t go back and change it. But definitely a lot of things I would change.”
Author: Vanilla Ice
25. “The love of husband and wife, which is creative of new human life, is a marvellously personal sharing in the creative love of God who brings into being the eternal soul that comes to every human being with the gift of human life.”
Author: Vincent Nichols
26. “HIM THE ONLY REASON TO GO TO SCHOOL!!!
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