Daily Reflections From God's Word

Tag: Control

  • When I’m Not in Control

    “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me… For when I am weak, then I am strong.” II Corinthians 12:9–10 (NKJV)

    I don’t like not being in control.

    If I’m in the car, I’d rather be the one driving. At work, I want to be the guy coordinating the chaos, managing the details, keeping the wheels turning. At home, I like being the one with the answers—the calm in the storm. The strong one.

    But sometimes, life makes it painfully clear that I’m not meant to run the show.

    There are moments when I have to admit someone else should take the lead. Times I don’t have the answers. Days I can’t fix what’s broken. And those moments sting. They make me feel exposed and unsteady—like I’m failing somehow.

    But here’s the truth I’m learning: That space—where I feel powerless and uncomfortable—is often exactly where God wants me. Not because He delights in my weakness, but because it’s there that I’m finally available.

    When I stop relying on my own strength, God can show up with His.

    Paul understood this. He didn’t pretend weakness was easy or desirable—but he recognized its purpose. He came to see his limitations not as obstacles, but as opportunities for Christ to move through him.

    We can’t experience God’s sufficiency until we admit our own lack. When we insist on staying in control, we leave little room for the Spirit to work. But when we surrender, when we confess, “Lord, I can’t do this alone”—that’s when grace rushes in.

    You may be in a season where you feel like you’re supposed to have it all figured out. Maybe you’re leading others, managing a household, carrying emotional burdens you don’t talk about. You’re worn out, but still gripping the wheel, because it feels safer than letting go.

    Can I lovingly challenge you today? Let go.

    God isn’t asking you to be invincible. He’s asking you to be available.

    And that starts with vulnerability. With honesty. With that simple but powerful prayer: “God, I need You.”

    Letting go of control doesn’t mean you’re giving up. It means you’re giving it over—to the One who never loses His grip.

    Reflection Questions:

    • What areas of your life are you struggling to release control over?
    • What would it look like to surrender those to God today?
    • Can you think of a time when your weakness became a platform for God’s strength?

    Prayer:
    Father, I confess that I like being in control. I like feeling strong, capable, and in charge. But I know that real strength comes from You—not from me. Help me to release the areas I’ve been gripping too tightly. Teach me to trust You more than I trust myself. Use my weakness for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

  • If This Life I Lose, I Will Follow

    “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” – Matthew 16:25 (NKJV)

    Following Jesus is easy when it costs us nothing. It’s easy when the blessings flow, when the path is smooth, when faith fits neatly into our routines. But what happens when following Christ demands something more?

    Jesus never sugarcoated the cost of discipleship. He didn’t say, “Follow Me, and your life will be comfortable.” He said, “Take up your cross.” He didn’t promise safety—He promised suffering. And yet, He also promised that losing our lives for His sake is the only way to truly find life.

    Modern Christianity struggles with this truth. We’ve been conditioned to think faith should be convenient, that God’s primary concern is our comfort. But the reality of discipleship is surrender. It’s laying down our desires, our plans, and even our reputations for the sake of Christ. It’s like the modem church thinks of submission as a dirty word, but James is very clear when he tells us to “Submit yourselves therefore to God…” (James 4:7 NKJV)

    The question is: What are we still holding onto? Is it control? The approval of others? A dream we’re unwilling to release? If Jesus asked us to walk away from everything, would we?

    The world tells us to live for ourselves, to chase after success, to prioritize ease over endurance. But Jesus tells us to live for Him. To stand firm, even when it costs us. To be bold, even when it makes us unpopular. To trust Him, even when surrender feels like loss.

    But here’s the promise—surrender is never truly loss. Because when we give up everything for Christ, we gain something far greater: eternal life, unshakable joy, and a purpose that outlasts this world.

    Think about the following questions and consider whether you’re more committed to comfort or to Christ. You just might be surprised.

    What is one thing you’ve been hesitant to surrender to Christ?

    Are you following Jesus only when it’s easy, or even when it costs you?

    How can you take a bold step of faith today, trusting that Jesus is worth it?

    Lord, I don’t want a faith of convenience. I want a faith of commitment. Give me the courage to surrender everything for You, knowing that true life is found in following You. Strengthen me to stand firm, even when it costs me, because You are worth it all. Amen.