Surrendering Control

A bit about me, B312…

Over a year ago, I was forced to live separately from my wife and my son. Since then, it’s been an incredibly difficult and painful season. My wife, whom I’d call Pam, has made every effort to prevent me from spending time with my son, whom I’d call Rocket, or even speaking to him. The separation has been emotionally draining, and the absence of consistent contact with Rocket has been one of the most difficult aspects to endure.

As I navigate this trying time, I’ve found myself clinging to faith, wrestling with fears and frustrations, and seeking to let go of the burdens I cannot carry alone. This journey has been a constant reminder to trust God’s love and sovereignty, even when things feel beyond my control

I’ve come up with a list of three things that I have to practice in order to make it through every day…

1. Letting Go

I was reminded by Pastor Kap Chatfield on YouTube that my struggles may be rooted in clinging to who I used to be. God is actively at work in me, leading me toward something better, no matter my past. Just the other day, I shared Jeremiah 29:11 with someone at the welcome center: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

The enemy, however, works tirelessly to trap us in guilt and make us feel unworthy. Revelation 12:10 reveals his strategy: “For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.” The enemy uses the world, our flesh, and even those closest to us to amplify his accusations.

This truth is exemplified in Matthew 16:23, where Jesus rebukes Peter by saying, “Get behind me, Satan!” But our real battle isn’t against people. As Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world.”

2. Finding Rest

God’s invitation to rest is one I need to remember daily. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Surrendering my burdens to Him isn’t just about relief—it’s about creating space for Him to work. His unmatched love and ability ensure that His plans are always better than mine. True rest comes when I release control and trust in His perfect care.

3. Having Faith

Today’s reading from Matthew 8:5-13 brought a new realization. In this passage, the centurion’s faith amazed Jesus. The centurion believed Jesus only needed to speak the word, and his servant would be healed—no physical presence required.

What struck me was that Jesus marveled at the centurion’s faith. To think that we can bring joy to God through our faith is incredible! It’s not our good works that move His heart, but our trust in Him. This kind of faith is what activates God’s transformative power in our lives and assures us of His promises.

When we pray in Jesus’ name, we should do so with complete confidence in His love and power. God operates outside of time, so even if His promises aren’t fulfilled in our lifetime, we can trust that they will come to pass. Our faith, grounded in His eternal nature, will never be in vain.

Reflection Questions

1. What aspects of your past are you still holding on to that may be preventing you from fully trusting God?
2. In what ways do you see the enemy using guilt or fear to keep you trapped?
3. What is one burden you need to surrender to God today so that He can work through it?
4. When have you experienced true rest by letting go of control and trusting God’s plan?
5. How does your faith reflect the centurion’s belief in Jesus’ power and authority?
6. What is one specific area where you can pray with complete faith, trusting in God’s eternal perspective?

Takeaway: Letting go, resting in Him, and walking in faith are daily choices that draw us closer to God and allow His transformative power to work in our lives. Trust His love, release your burdens, and embrace the peace that comes from knowing He is in control.

In prayer, I surrendered my fears for Pam and Rocket, reminding myself that they are in the hands of the One who loves them infinitely more than I ever could. Trusting God with their well-being—and mine—is an act of faith that frees me from fear.