David Turner - Open Hands, Open Heaven

In our lives, we often strive to control certain aspects, but we must acknowledge that our efforts can only take us so far. When we attempt to control things, we are essentially admitting that we trust ourselves more than we trust God. However, it is crucial to realize that God does not want us to submit to Him partially; rather, He desires that we surrender everything to Him and trust in His process. It is important to recognize that our sins not only affect us but can also have an impact on those around us. As Christians, we are called to live as examples of the gospel, but our disobedience can lead to turmoil in other people's lives.

There are several reasons why we might feel compelled to control things:

• It is our default mode of operation.
• At times, taking control can yield positive results.
• We might feel impatient and rush God's timing.

In situations where we are following God's will and obeying His commands, we must trust that things will unfold as they are meant to. It is essential to understand that sin encompasses more than just our overt wrongdoings. Even if we make choices out of disobedience, we are still living in sin.

When we place ourselves in God's hands, we can rest assured that regardless of the challenges we face, we will be okay because we are designed to be with Him. Therefore, it is crucial to let go of our need for control and surrender ourselves to His divine will. By doing so, we can live a life that is pleasing to God and be a positive influence on those around us.