Recognizing God's Control

When life feels chaotic, it’s easy to wonder if God is really in control. Problems surround us—health struggles, financial stress, conflicts at work, or even persecution for our faith. In these moments, we may be tempted to believe that either God is distant or that He’s powerless to intervene. But the early church knew better. After being threatened by the religious leaders, Peter, John, and the other believers prayed—not for the trouble to go away, but for courage to continue doing God’s will. They began their prayer by acknowledging God as the Creator and Sovereign Lord.
 
Acts 4:24 reminds us that the early church understood who God is: the One who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them. They didn’t focus on the threats they faced; they focused on the God who rules over all. That shift in focus is powerful. Life-shaking prayer starts when we acknowledge that God holds everything together, and that no human authority, trial, or hardship can stop His will from being accomplished.

Sometimes we struggle with wanting to be in control. We want God to fix things according to our plans. But true prayer aligns our hearts with God’s will. It’s not about getting God to serve our desires but about submitting to His greater plan.
 
When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He said, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” That is a prayer of surrender. It says, “God, I trust You even when life doesn’t make sense. Help me to see what You are doing and give me the courage to participate in it.”
 
Scripture:
Acts 4:24 - And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, "O Lord, it is You who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them. 
 
Psalms 103:19 - The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all.
 
Application:
What are some areas of your life where you feel out of control. Pray over each one, acknowledging that God is sovereign over these situations. Instead of asking God to remove the difficulty, ask Him to show you His will in each area.
 
Prayer:
Father, You are the Creator and Ruler of everything, and nothing is beyond Your reach. Help me to trust You fully, to submit to Your will, and to find peace knowing that You are always at work, even when I don’t understand what You are doing.