What I Control and What’s in God’s Hands

Have you ever wished for control? 

I’ve desired control over circumstances and specific areas of life. 

The no-control feeling reminds me of an amusement park ride. Because the controls are in the hands of the ride operator, not me or any other rider. 

So the few times friends talked me into a free-fall ride or roller coaster, I prayed the entire time for the Lord to get my feet back on the ground. 

It’s a helpless feeling. 

While the Lord continues to teach me how I’ve never had control, the struggle still sometimes rears its ugly head.

I believe God is always in control. And He’s on His throne. The Lord’s CEO of the world and my life. So if the Lord manages the world and all of creation, He certainly manages my life well.

God is always in control. And He’s on His throne. The Lord’s CEO of the world and my life. So if the Lord manages the world and all of creation, He certainly manages my life well. Share on X

But I discovered a few things within my control. And God controls everything else.

(1.) Attitude: What I Control

Why do parents, teachers, and coaches often ask for an attitude adjustment? Because for kids and adults alike, our attitude is something within our control. Attitude makes all the difference in tough circumstances, a relationship hiccup, an unwanted project at work, and so on. 

We learn a lot about attitude from Jesus.

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:3-5 (NASB, emphasis added)

(2.) Choices

The ability to choose occurs throughout life. Even daily choices come our way. And choices vary from simple things like what to eat for breakfast to complex choices like what career path to take. 

But we need to weigh important choices carefully, especially ones that can change our lives for good or bad. When we fail or sin, it affects us, the people closest to us, and our relationship with God. 

Also, we get to choose mercy or vengeance, forgiveness or bitterness.

The best choice we make:

“And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 (ESV, emphasis added)

(3.) Words: What I Control

Words hold power whether they roll off our tongues or our fingertips. Our words speak life or death. What we say can build up and encourage. And what we say can tear down and destroy. 

While we can’t control the words of others, we do control our own words. 

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Proverbs 18:21 (ESV)

(4.) Actions

Again, we have no control over other people’s actions—none whatsoever. But we possess the power over our own actions and behavior. We take ownership of what we do and how we act. This includes our responses. God’s people even more so. 

Still, it’s not easy, it’s hard. However, if we walk in the spirit and live the crucified life, our actions transform more and more into the likeness of Christ. 

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16 (ESV)

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (ESV)

Who’s in Control?

I’m not in control of things only meant for God Almighty. When I desire it, I’m wanting to take over God’s job.

I can’t control other people’s words, actions or responses. I’m only in control of myself. And I only do this well when I’m walking in the Holy Spirit. 

I can’t control other people’s words, actions or responses. I’m only in control of myself. And I only do this well when I’m walking in the Holy Spirit.  Share on X

This is why the fruit of the Spirit is just that—fruit that comes from and in and through the Holy Spirit only. 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

But we were never meant for control in some areas of life.

Every morning invite Jesus to come along with you in your day. Sure, Christ is always with us, but extending the invitation from our heart shows we care about Jesus’ involvement in our daily lives. 

Every morning invite Jesus to come along with you in your day. Share on X

How have you struggled with control? 

Photos courtesy of Friday’s Forever on YouTube.

Last week’s article, 4 Obedient Ways to Wait on God.

Sometimes I participate in these link-ups: Let’s Have Coffee/Embracing the Unexpected (Grace & Truth).

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© 2025 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved