I like to be in control. There, I said it. Could you be honest and admit the same? Because, most people I know have a strong preference for making plans and then having things go exactly according to that plan. It’s just easier that way, isn’t it? We all like this kind of “smooth sailing” in our lives, and if we can help it, we will do our best to keep steering our boats toward the outcomes we want. It may not be wrong, per se, to orchestrate life like this, but it can be. Especially when it becomes addictive and leads us to believe that we can step into God’s shoes – as if we could really be sovereign over anything, never mind everything.

Trust me, I recognize that many plans are well-intentioned. I know that my own heart is often in the right place as I want things to go well for myself, family, and friends. I can reflect on how easy it is to begin organizing tasks as I pray, asking God to show me the way to achieve the outcomes and results I’m looking for. Wait, what?! Yes, I have fallen into that trap. Many times. The prayers are sincere with honest appeals and full belief that God can do anything, but (and it’s a big but!) I’m asking God to come alongside me and MY will. If I’m truly honest, I don’t always want to let go of my (perceived) control and ask God to do HIS will in my life and in the lives of those I love. Frankly, as I write these words and read them aloud, I want to hide under my desk! How much sense does it make that I would attempt to take control away from the One who sent His only Son to die for me? He loves me beyond measure and knows so much more than I ever will! But somehow, I keep tripping myself up on the lie so cleverly planted by the enemy: don’t surrender your control! 

Truth bomb: This deceit may be the devil’s most evil scheme.

It may seem hard at times to strike the right balance between taking action while still being faithful and submissive to God. It sometimes brings me back to a memorable teenage lesson. I was a strong, competitive swimmer for years, and when I became of age to become a lifeguard, I was thrilled to start training. I was already a fast swimmer, but I gained both strength and confidence while enduring tests that required me to tread water for long periods of time, effectively swim while fully clothed, and keep my head above water while holding weighted bags that pulled me under. I sensed a sureness that I could actually pull someone to safety if and when needed. And then I learned something that threw me off. It seemed so counterintuitive…until I understood more.

During our training, we had to take turns “saving” each other from drowning. When I was the victim under water, I could feel my rescuer wrap his arm around my chest and begin to swim up towards the surface. My intuition told me to help him by moving my arms and legs. What I didn’t know was that any motion made by someone drowning is actually not helpful. In fact it makes the rescue even harder. Not only does it loosen the grip of the lifeguard, but it slows down the arrival to safety. As it turns out, what may seem helpful is a hindrance! A person drowning moves faster through the water when they are still and streamlined with the rescuers body, which is pulling them up to the air. The lifeguard is trained and knows what to do. What’s best for someone drowning is to fully surrender to their rescuer. That’s the quickest way to get air to their lungs.

While reading this, it’s not likely that anyone is drowning in water. But could you be drowning in anger, shame, addiction, deceit, busyness or anything else that is pulling you under? Is it possible that what you’re doing isn’t working? Or would you consider that your efforts are flailing and perhaps even slowing down God’s progress to restore you with fresh air in your lungs? He wants that for you (John 10:10)! 

Is it time to surrender; not simply to call yourself a Christian, but to truly allow Him to lead your life?

Might we remember this: “surrender” is a battle term. It implies giving up all rights to the conqueror. When an opposing army surrenders, they lay down their arms, and the winners take control from then on. Surrendering to God works the same way. God has a plan for our lives, and surrendering to Him means we set aside our own plans and eagerly seek His. The good news is that God’s plan for us is always in our best interest (Jeremiah 29:11), unlike our own plans that often lead to destruction (Proverbs 14:12). Our Lord is a wise and beneficent victor; He conquers us to bless us (Romans 15:13)!

Who wants that blessing? Who wants more of God and less of the struggle? I know I do, and I also know the way there includes letting go of my own plans, my perceived control, and giving God the reins to lead my life. He is so trustworthy and, let’s be real, WAY more capable than any of us. So, there’s nothing to lose and everything to gain…if only we let Him rescue us. Will you let go and let Him?

Lord, we praise You for Your goodness, and we are so thankful that You know more and can handle infinitely more than we can. Help us to remember, Lord, that You are equipped in ways we can never be. We WIN when we surrender to You, for You alone can lead us to life. Lord, help us to quiet the noise, cap our egos and look to You for direction; not just to come alongside us, but to lead us. We pray for Your Holy Spirit to give us courage to fully submit to You and Your will. While it might seem scary to let go, we pray that You give us full confidence in You, for You are worthy! And praise be that we are Your beloved! In Jesus’ name, Amen.