We are used to having control over so many things that we often fail to seek God’s will for our lives, and we try to call all the shots ourselves. Everything in culture teaches us to take control. You must take charge, make it happen, and control your destiny. But the truth behind our need to control might show us one of our biggest areas of spiritual vulnerability. What you most attempt to control often reveals where you trust God the least. 

 

Put It into Practice: Memorize and pray the Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

 

Day 1       Matthew 26:36-46 

Reflect: What words best describe what Jesus experienced in the Garden of Gethsemane?  How can you apply Jesus’ example of surrender to your challenges and anxieties?  

Apply:   What role does fear play in fostering our desire to have control over all aspects of our lives? How might we discern legitimate concerns and illegitimate fear over what God might have us do?

Pray:     Help me remember that even in my darkest moments, I can find strength in submitting to Your will.  Your plan is greater than my understanding. Day by day, help me to watch and pray in spirit and truth, abiding in You.

 

Day 2      Matthew 26:47-54

Reflect: What attempts of control do you see, and why were they being exercised? Why is surrender so often difficult? How is Jesus modeling surrender and control for us?

Apply:    In what situations do you often struggle with wanting to control outcomes? Do you tend to fight or surrender when you feel control is being taken away? Why? 

Pray:      Father, we see Jesus in the Garden, surrendered to Your control, never turning to worldly methods. May I courageously stand firm in my faith, knowing that You are always with me.

 

Day 3      Matthew 4:1-11 

Reflect: Over what areas is Satan trying to get Jesus to take control and fail in His faithful service to God? How is this temptation story similar to Adam and Eve’s? What do you learn from both?  

Apply: Have you ever felt out of control regarding temptation? What did it feel like? What resulted?  Does being out of control in temptation feel different from giving God control? Why?

Pray:   Jesus, empower me to resist the temptation to act independently of You. Help me to depend on You in every eventuality of life, knowing this is Your will for me, and bringing honor to You.

 

Day 4     Philippians 2:6-11

Reflect: What do you learn about God? About Jesus? About the benefits of surrender?    

Apply:   What are some obstacles that confront us when we attempt to give up control over our lives? How might we use our privileges in ways that feed our fear of losing control? 

Pray:     Lord, forgive me for the times when I have been selfish or prideful. Help me emulate Christ’s example by putting the needs of others before my own. 

 

Day 5       James 4:7-10

Reflect: How is this speaking to you? Have you ever thought that desiring control is evil? What is the relationship between loyalty (double-mindedness) and control? What about pride and control? 

Apply:   How divided is your loyalty (verse 8)? When have the following kinds of thoughts impacted your desire for control? I deserve this. I know better. It’s for their good. What if…?           

Pray:     Purify my heart and keep me from double-mindedness. Keep my ears open to Your voice, my eyes open to Your truth, and my heart open to You alone.