Who’s In Control?

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Who’s In Control?

by Sue Lavigne

“What areas of your life do you have control over? Be specific.” This was one of the questions asked in a step study class for Celebrate Recovery that I was attending. It is a very good question. Many of us would casually answer, “Yes, I have control over my life, my attitude, and maybe my family.” But as I thought about that question more, I asked myself, “Do I really have control over anything in my life?” We have all heard the stories of people who have had their world turned upside down by a tragic event such as a divorce, job loss, the death of a close friend or family member, auto accident, or cancer diagnosis. These events can change our lives in a moment, making us feel that our lives are spinning “out of control.” However, the question remains: “Did we really have control in the first place?”

Later in the study, we were asked,

“What have you been able to turn

over to God?” Again, I answered honestly that I was able to turn over my finances, my job, and my ministry. At the time, I thought my finances, my job, and even my ministry were secure. I had a good job, was not in debt, was serving at my church, and was a leader at Celebrate Recovery. Then slowly, over the last four years, all my security fell away. In February 2017, I developed a chronic pain issue that limited my normal activities. In June 2018, I lost my job because our department was closing. Despite all my losses, I was still active with Celebrate Recovery and my church, but then COVID-19 stopped all my ministry opportunities. My world turned upside down until every part of me that I thought I controlled was gone.

I am not in control of my life. I never have been. This is a very humbling experience. So I have looked at the question of control from a new perspective. Do we really need faith and trust in God when all is well in our world? My trust in God grew more after I had been unemployed for 30 months. It continues to grow as my COVID isolation leads me to listen for His words to speak direction and purpose.

Perhaps you are in a similar situation where your world seems to be turned upside down. These words from Proverbs 3:5-6 have helped me through this season of losses:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do and He will show you which path to take.”

Although my circumstances have not changed, my perspective has changed. I know that trusting in God means relying on Him completely. I can now answer the question with better clarity. “Who is in control?” God is and always has been in control, and I trust Him with every aspect of my life, even when I do not understand in which direction it is going. How about you?

The Author Susan Lavigne attends Cornerstone Church in Rome, Georgia. She is a Christian speaker and songwriter. Feel free to contact her at susanclavigne@gmail.com.

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