Learning to Trust the God Who Sees What We Cannot
We’re natural planners. We love goals, timelines, and the satisfaction of crossing things off a to-do list. There’s something comforting about feeling in control of our future, even if it’s only an illusion. But what happens when God’s plan doesn’t line up with ours? When the road we’ve mapped out takes a hard left? Or when we reach a door we expected to walk through, only to find it locked tight?
If you’ve ever felt the tension between your plan and God’s plan, you’re not alone. Surrendering control is one of the hardest, yet most transformative, parts of walking with Christ. It’s not about giving up your dreams—it’s about giving them over to the One who knows exactly what’s best for you.
Let’s explore how we can let go of our grip on control and hold tighter to God instead.
1. Recognize That God Sees the Bigger Picture
We make plans based on what we know—our current circumstances, desires, experiences. But God sees your beginning, middle, and end all at once. He sees the relationships you’ll need, the growth you’re capable of, the character He’s shaping in you.
His “no” today might be protecting you from heartbreak tomorrow. His “wait” could be aligning something far greater than you can imagine. Trusting His plan means admitting we don’t know everything—and leaning on the One who does.
2. Grieve the Loss of Control—Then Give It to God
Let’s be honest: surrendering control can feel like a little death. The death of a dream, the loss of a timeline, the unraveling of a well-crafted vision. It’s okay to grieve that. God welcomes your honest prayers—your disappointment, your frustration, your confusion.
But after the grief comes the grace: the invitation to place that surrendered plan into His capable hands. Surrender doesn’t mean you stop caring. It means you start trusting.
3. Reframe Success as Obedience, Not Outcomes
We often measure success by results. But in God’s Kingdom, obedience is the win. You could walk through a season that looks messy from the outside and still be exactly where God wants you to be.
Jesus’ life was filled with moments that didn’t “look” successful—rejection, betrayal, crucifixion. But every step was in perfect alignment with the Father’s will.
When we let go of needing a specific outcome and start valuing obedience instead, we free ourselves from the burden of control.
4. Make Room for God to Surprise You
Sometimes we hold our plans so tightly that there’s no space left for God to move. But when we release the white-knuckled grip, we open our hands to receive something unexpected.
God’s plan might not look like yours—but it will always be better for you. It may not be easier. It may not be faster. But it will be richer, fuller, and more anchored in His love than anything we could create alone.
Let your life be a canvas He can paint on—not a script He has to edit.
5. Take the Next Step, Not All the Steps
Surrender doesn’t mean sitting still forever—it means walking in faith even when the whole path isn’t clear. You don’t have to see the finish line. You just need to take the next right step.
Ask God, “What’s the next thing You want me to do?” Then do that. Not perfectly. Not with all the answers. But with trust that He will meet you there.
