Of all the times to struggle with control, the COVID-19 pandemic has to be one of the worst. Let’s face it; “Lock-Down” isn’t anyone’s favorite phrase, least of all a control-addict like me. Processing through my control issues has been something the Lord is working in my heart, especially as I walk through this season of engagement with my extremely patient fiancé. But what does it mean to fully release control over my life to God? Let’s look at what the Bible says.
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul reminds the believers in Corinth of the Lord’s promise to not let us be faced with trials beyond what we can bear. He will always provide for us a way out, but we have to take it. For me, that means constantly denying myself and my need for control. Temptation takes many forms. The immediate reaction to fear of losing control could take the form of rage or anger, followed by shame and guilt. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been cut off driving down I-75 and immediately found myself acting in anger and rage. This is always followed by a sense of shame. I will always fall short; I cannot expect to be in total control of my life 24/7. But no matter what the circumstances, God promises to “provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
The Bible also speaks into the anger and rage that can often accompany a control-addict. In Proverbs, Solomon equates a person without self-control to a fool. “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” (Proverbs 25:28) As Christians, our body is a temple. When acting in rage, we strip our temple of security, leaving us vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy. Whether it’s rage, deceit, or people-pleasing, our flesh will do whatever it takes to maintain control. Toxic shame is sure to follow, especially when those actions hurt those we love, or break trust with our closest friends and family. Where do we go from here?
Thankfully, there is hope. Because of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, we can live into the abounding grace that God offers us. Even so, it is easy to struggle with control when we are focused on worldly things instead of Godly things. In Romans 12:2, Paul writes, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you will discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Left to our own devices, it is nearly impossible to pursue the desires of God, especially in a culture that glorifies wealth, possessions, sex, and countless others. Self-denial is not a popular concept.
Paul challenges us to let go of control. “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12) How desperately I need to hear those words on a daily basis. No matter how perfect a day may seem, tribulation is always waiting around the corner. When it comes, do we rejoice in hope, or do we rage? Do we pray, or do we take matters into our own hands? How freeing it is to lay down control of our lives to the One who always satisfies.
-Dan Driscoll