By Dr. Floyd Godfrey

As Christians, we often face seasons of trials and uncertainty. These moments can challenge our faith and tempt us to take control of situations ourselves. Yet, trusting God’s timing and surrendering to His will is one of the deepest acts of faith we can offer. Trials are not only opportunities for growth but a chance to witness how God brings everything together in His perfect way, which often surpasses our own understanding.

Letting Go of Control
When difficulties arise, our natural response is often to try and figure things out on our own. We plan, strategize, and sometimes attempt to force outcomes that align with our desires or expectations. This struggle for control can be exhausting, especially when things don’t go as planned. However, the Bible teaches us that God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9). He knows what is best for us, even when we can’t see the bigger picture. Surrendering our control is not a sign of weakness, but an act of trust in God’s sovereign wisdom.

In Proverbs 3:5-6, we are reminded to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” These verses highlight the importance of submission to God’s will. It is often in the moments when we let go of our plans that we begin to see God working in ways we never could have imagined.

God’s Perfect Timing
One of the challenges we face is learning to trust in God's timing. We might be tempted to think that things are taking too long or that a particular outcome should have happened by now. But Scripture shows us that God’s timing is always perfect. Consider the story of Abraham and Sarah. God promised them a child, yet they waited for many years. In their impatience, they tried to bring about God’s promise in their own way, leading to unnecessary complications (Genesis 16). However, in His perfect timing, God fulfilled His promise with the birth of Isaac.

Like Abraham and Sarah, we may also try to take shortcuts or manipulate circumstances to bring about what we think is best. But God's plan, though it may seem delayed, is always for our good. When we allow Him to work in His way, we often see the result is far better than what we would have planned. This is why trusting Him, even in moments of waiting, is essential.

Surrendering to God’s Sovereignty
Surrendering to God doesn’t mean we sit back passively. It means we actively trust Him, acknowledging that He is in control of every detail of our lives. Too often, we believe that if we don’t take action, nothing will happen. While God calls us to be diligent and wise, He also calls us to have faith. When we surrender, we trust that He is weaving together all the aspects of our lives in ways that are for our ultimate good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

In these times of trial, it is important to remember that God’s plan often looks different from ours, but it is always better. Our human perspective is limited. We may think we know the best path forward, but only God sees the whole picture. Learning to trust in His total control is the key to experiencing peace, even when we are surrounded by uncertainty.

Trusting in God's Direction
When we surrender our plans to God, we allow Him to guide our steps. This doesn’t mean we will avoid difficulties, but it does mean that we are never alone in our trials. God has a purpose for every situation, and when we trust in His direction, we can rest knowing that His ways are perfect. It is in these moments of surrender that we often see God’s hand at work in the most powerful ways.

Psalm 37:5 encourages us: “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” Trusting God requires action on our part—not the action of forcing our plans, but the action of committing everything to Him, believing that He will act in His perfect time and way.

As you face trials today, remember that trusting God is not just about waiting for an outcome; it’s about surrendering to His process. His ways are always better than ours, and His love for us never fails.

Floyd Godfrey, PhD is a Board Certified Christian Counselor and has facilitated groups within different churches and denominations over the past 30 years. He worked as a licensed counselor for 23 years and provided supervision and training for other counselors as they worked toward independent licensure. You can read more about Floyd Godfrey, PhD at www.FloydGodfrey.com.