Don’t Be Afraid: Let Go of Control (And Surrender to God)

What does it say about God’s nature that we should Let Go of Control and Surrender to God? How is control tied to fear? We’ll examine both of those questions in this post— the first in our series, Let Go and Know He is God.

We Aren’t in Control Anyway

God has shown me over and over again in my life that I am not really in control. 

Twenty-twenty has been no exception. (Can I get an amen?)

I’m a “gracious” and relaxed Type-A personality. I like to do things right (whatever that means) and I tend to be a perfectionist. That said, I don’t hold others to that same standard. I’m flexible, gracious, and forgiving with others but sometimes struggle to be this way with myself. 

In this post about fear and God’s protection, I describe myself this way:

I’m a so-called “creature of habit” and I’m most comfortable being comfortable. I like knowing what to expect and don’t typically care for change. And when things inevitably do change, it makes me feel a little (or a lot) insecure. 

You see, I am not a controlling person, but I like to have a measure of control. Make sense? Control means feeling secure, because I know what to expect. Control means that I never have to step outside of my comfort zone. Ever. 

And even if I needed to do something that wasn’t routine or normal for me, having control would mean that I’d be completely prepared to do that.

But that’s not real life. And that’s not what God has asked of me. It’s not what He asks of any of us.

Yes, God has shown me repeatedly that I’m not in control. I think He does this for many reasons, but mostly I think it’s to remind me that He’s in charge. Not me. (And to remind me of that is a good and loving thing for Him to do!)

Do we have some measure of control? Of course! After all, self-control is one aspect of the Spirit’s fruit. But ultimately? We aren’t the ones running the show.

And that’s a good thing!

So Why Do We Want Control?

The answer to that question is multifold and probably different for every person. But I’d bet that many of us want control because of the same reasons I hit on above. 

Now, I’m not digging super deep into the Biblical doctrine of mankind here, but on a superficial level, control makes most of us feel secure. Control can be rooted in fear, pride, and self-reliance. Whatever the root, the absence of control leaves most of us feeling insecure and afraid.

And fear*? Well, that’s a powerful thing! It keeps us paralyzed and immobile. It keeps us from boldly stepping out of our comfort zones and into God’s best plans for us. (*I’m not talking about rational fears like being afraid to walk out in front of a moving bus. I’m referring to what the Bible calls the “spirit of fear” in 2 Timothy 1:7.)

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Yep, we humans tend to want stability, and we often look to ourselves to get it — thinking that if we control everything “just so” we can build security for ourselves. 

Surrender to God’s Control

Mankind strives to gain control for ourselves, but God has a better way! Rather than continually learning the hard way that we aren’t in control, God has given us the opportunity to  surrender to His control and the unique spiritual stability that only He can give. Isn’t that amazing?

This type of surrender is an act and display of our faith in God. But what does this opportunity-of-surrender that He gives us say about Him? What does it say about His divine nature? 

We can surrender to the Lord because He is sovereign. As followers of Christ we get the privilege of stepping out in faith (even if and when it’s difficult) and growing stronger because He is sovereign and in control. 

We can safely trust in the fact that He works behind the scenes on behalf of His children, working all things together for our eternal, spiritual good, and for His ultimate glory.

What is God’s Sovereignty?

God’s sovereignty is the fact that He is in control. Whatever He wills, He brings about.

“I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please” (Isaiah 46:10)

I wrote these words in this post about Hoping in God’s Sovereignty: 

 

The easiest way to define God’s sovereignty is that, ultimately, He is in charge. He has the right to do whatever He decides is best, and He has the power to accomplish His will.

Knowing that He is always good, and that He is love, helps us see that whatever He decides is best is best— for our eternal good and for His glory. And even when things are hard (or even terrible), knowing that we are in good, loving, and capable hands brings comfort. Even in the most dire situations, and even when our limited human perspective just can’t see it, God is working His good and perfect plan!

 

Twenty-twenty has been incredibly difficult for so many of us. Some of us have experienced illness, loss, strife, suffering, financial hardship, and the death of loved ones. 

But sisters in Christ, it’s right, wise, and obedient for us to submit to His sovereignty and trust in His ability to work all things together for good. (Romans 8:28) There is nothing too big for our God to handle. He is so very worthy of our surrender!

Submitting to God and surrendering to His control brings us to the safest and most peace-giving place to be!

“God can do more with my surrender than I can do with my control.” – Stephen Heleman

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:7-8 a)

Do you need to let go of control? He is sovereign and completely worthy of our faith and trust! Let’s take a step of faith today and surrender to God.

Blessings in Christ,
Ali