Everyone wants to control their circumstances. And often, if we’re honest with ourselves, we want to control much more: other people, the weather, etc.
Control is actually something we rarely have. Even things that we think we can control are still subject to unexpected change. Our jobs are more fragile than we think. So are our relationships. Our very lives are not controllable.
It’s a disturbing revelation once we realize how little control we actually hold over our lives. It’s downright frightening.
But God has not given us a spirit of fear. He has given us love, which in turn fosters courage.
He has also given us the gift of faith. Faith is certainty of things not seen and spelled out clearly. In fact, as one wise older man once told me, “If you can see it, it’s not faith.” Those without faith can rest assured when they see everything working out, when they feel the illusion of control. Those with faith can rest assured whatever the circumstances, knowing that God will work all things for their good.
Faith also gives us freedom. When we fight for control we are enslaved to the pressure to make everything turn out right. When we entrust our circumstances to God, we are free to love and follow Him without the pressure.
Jace is the host of The Digital Wellbeing Podcast. He also writes about life, faith, culture, and justice at www.jacebower.com.