NEW BOOK ALERT: Oops! I Prayed for Ice Cream — OUT NOW! ✨
Letting Go of What You Can’t Control and Embracing What You Can
In life, we often find ourselves overwhelmed by things we cannot control—whether it's others' opinions, unforeseen circumstances, or even the passage of time. But what if we shifted our focus to what we can control? In this blog post, "Letting Go of What You Can’t Control and Embracing What You Can," we explore a biblical perspective on surrendering to God, while taking charge of our mindset, attitude, and actions. Discover how trusting God's timing and embracing His guidance can bring peace, growth, and purpose to your life. Dive into practical wisdom and Scripture to help you focus on what truly matters.
GENERAL
Dana Onye
9/12/20244 min read
Life is filled with uncertainties, unexpected changes, and challenges that often leave us feeling out of control. As we navigate through the complexities of daily life, it's easy to focus on the things that seem to be slipping out of our grasp. But what if, instead of focusing on what we can’t control, we shifted our mindset to embrace what we can?
In today’s post, I want to explore a biblical perspective on what we can and cannot control, and how learning to surrender to God can bring peace and purpose in our lives.
Things You Can’t Control
It’s easy to get caught up in things that are beyond our influence. Here are some common situations that often leave us feeling frustrated or helpless:
Other People’s Opinions: No matter how hard we try, we can’t control how others perceive or judge us. Instead of chasing approval, the Bible reminds us in Proverbs 29:25 that, "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe."
The Past: It’s tempting to dwell on past mistakes or missed opportunities, but dwelling in the past won’t change it. In Philippians 3:13, we are encouraged to "forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead."
Unforeseen Circumstances: Whether it’s a sudden change in plans, illness, or a global crisis, life is full of unexpected events. Proverbs 16:9 reassures us that, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
The Weather: From sunny days to unexpected storms, we can't fully predict or change the weather. Job 37:6 reminds us that even the elements are under God’s control: "He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’"
How Others Treat You: While we can influence relationships, we cannot dictate how others behave towards us. Romans 12:18 encourages us to "live at peace with everyone" as far as it depends on us.
Traffic: Traffic jams can test even the most patient among us, but they are out of our control. Instead of frustration, use these moments to practice patience, as James 1:3-4 teaches: "The testing of your faith produces perseverance."
Getting Older: Time moves forward, and aging is inevitable. Rather than dreading it, the Bible encourages us to embrace the wisdom and grace that comes with age, as Proverbs 16:31 says: "Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life."
God’s Timing: We often want things to happen in our timing, but God’s timing is perfect. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us: "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."
Things You Can Control
While many things are out of our hands, there is power in focusing on what we can control. These are the areas where God calls us to take responsibility and grow:
Your Attitude: We may not control our circumstances, but we can control our attitude towards them. Philippians 2:5 encourages us to have a Christ-like attitude in all we do.
Your Mindset: The way we think shapes our actions and experiences. The Bible calls us to renew our minds in Romans 12:2, reminding us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by godly thinking.
How You React: While we can't control how others behave, we can choose how we respond. Proverbs 15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
Your Effort: God calls us to work diligently in whatever we do. Colossians 3:23 reminds us to "work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord."
Who You Surround Yourself With: We have the power to choose the people we allow into our inner circle. Proverbs 13:20 tells us, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."
Your Boundaries: Setting healthy boundaries is not only wise but biblical. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
Surrendering to God: The ultimate act of control is surrendering control to God. James 4:7 instructs us to "submit yourselves, then, to God." When we fully trust Him, we can rest in knowing that He is in control.
Your Faith in God: Faith is a choice. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, "Without faith, it is impossible to please God." When we choose faith, we choose to trust in His plan, even when we can’t see the full picture.
Embrace What You Can Control and Trust God with the Rest
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the things that are out of our control, but the Bible reminds us that God is always in control, even when we aren’t. Learning to let go of what we can’t manage and focus on what we can allows us to experience peace, grow in faith, and live a life filled with purpose.
As 1 Peter 5:7 beautifully reminds us, "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." God cares deeply about every detail of our lives, and He is faithful to carry the weight of what we cannot.
So today, let’s make a choice to focus on the things within our control: our attitude, mindset, actions, and most importantly, our faith. Let’s trust God with the rest and know that He holds our future in His hands.
What are you choosing to control today? What are you surrendering to God?