The Illusion of Control

By: Pastor Doug Trudell Jr

I think one of the funniest things about us as humans is how much we love control.

We don’t just enjoy it—we cling to it like a toddler holding a cookie they definitely weren’t supposed to have.

We make plans like we’re the CEO of the universe.

“Alright God, here’s what I’m thinking for today…” (as if He’s sitting there with a clipboard like, “Wow, great input. Didn’t see that coming.”)

We plan our days, our weeks, our five-year goals.We map out conversations before they happen.We rehearse scenarios in the shower like we’re about to win an argument that hasn’t even occurred yet.

And if we’re being honest… most of the time, we’re not really asking God to lead. We’re asking Him to agree.

The Gentle Reality Check is Proverbs 16:9 that steps in like a calm, wise voice in the room: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

In other words: You can plan all you want… but God’s still in control.

And honestly? That’s probably for the best. Because if I’m driving, we’re stopping for snacks, getting distracted by something shiny, missing the exit, and somehow ending up 45 minutes off course wondering how we got there. “Was that turn important?” “Should we have asked for directions?”

You see control gives us the illusion of security. If I can just manage everything… If I can just think far enough ahead… If I can just keep everything from going wrong… Then I’ll be okay.

But life has a funny way of reminding us that we’re not nearly as in control as we think.

Plans change. People surprise us. Doors close. Opportunities show up unannounced. And sometimes, the day we carefully planned turns into something completely different by noon. And that’s usually the moment we realize: We were never really in control to begin with.

But here’s the good news today: While you might feel thrown off…God isn’t. He’s not pacing heaven saying,“Wow, I did NOT see that coming. We’re going to have to regroup.”

No—He’s steady. He’s present.And He’s already working within the thing you didn’t plan.

The delay? He can use it.

The interruption? He can redeem it.

The unexpected conversation, the change of direction, the moment that didn’t go how you pictured? None of it is wasted in His hands.

Letting go of control doesn’t mean you stop planning.

It just means you stop pretending you’re the one holding everything together.

It’s the shift from: “God, here’s my plan—please bless it.”

To: “God, here I am—please lead me.”

It’s open hands instead of tight fists.

It’s trusting that even when things feel off-track…you’re not off-purpose.

So maybe today, instead of trying to control every outcome, every conversation, every detail…

You try this:

• Be faithful in what’s in front of you

• Stay flexible when things shift

• And trust God with what you can’t control (which, let’s be honest… is most of it)

Because the goal isn’t a perfectly executed plan.

It’s a life that’s actually led by God.

If God is establishing your steps…you don’t have to force your way forward.

You don’t have to have it all figured out.

You just have to keep walking—with Him.

And if you do happen to grab the wheel again (because we all do)…don’t panic.

Just scoot over, let Him take back over…

…and maybe keep the snacks. 🍿