By Andrew Williams
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
Good morning fellow disciples.
As human beings, we have a natural tendency to want to be in control of our lives. We make plans, set goals, and strive to ensure that everything aligns with our own vision for the future. However, the Scriptures remind us that true peace and fulfillment can only be found when we surrender the illusion of control and submit to the sovereign plan of our Heavenly Father.
Proverbs 16:9 eloquently captures the divide between our own human plans and God’s divine purposes. While we may chart out the course we believe is best, it is ultimately the Lord who “establishes our steps” and directs the path of our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 further emphasizes this truth, declaring that God has plans for us – plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us a hope and a future. When we acknowledge God’s sovereignty, we free ourselves from the burden of trying to control every aspect of our lives.
Surrendering control is not an easy task, as it requires us to let go of our own agendas and plans. James 4:13-15 cautions us against the presumption of making plans without considering the will of God. Rather than clinging tightly to our own vision for the future, we are called to approach life with an open hand, trusting that God’s ways are higher than our own.
When we choose to surrender control and submit to God’s will, we experience a profound and lasting peace that transcends our human understanding. Rather than being consumed by anxiety and fear over the unknown, we can rest in the assurance that our Heavenly Father is working all things together for our good and for His glory (Romans 8:28). This does not mean that the path will be easy, but it does mean that we can face the challenges of life with the confidence that God is steadfastly by our side.
Choosing to surrender control is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. It requires daily discipline, intentional prayer, and a willingness to trust God even when we cannot see the full picture. Yet, as we persevere in this surrendered mindset, we will discover the joy, freedom, and purpose that come from aligning our lives with the sovereign plan of our Almighty God.
Prayer: Father God, I confess that I so often try to maintain a tight grip on the reins of my life, unwilling to fully surrender to Your perfect will. Forgive me for the times when I have presumed to make my own plans, without considering Your purposes.
Help me to truly acknowledge Your sovereignty over my life, and to let go of my own agendas and control. Grant me the faith to submit to Your will, even when it does not align with my own desires.
Fill me with the peace that comes from resting in Your steadfast presence, and may I find my greatest joy in aligning my life with Your eternal plans. I surrender control to You, Almighty God, trusting that Your ways are higher than mine. Amen.