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Week 1 – Surrender

Friday, Day 3 – Laying Down Control

Scripture: Luke 22:42; Matthew 6:33

Today’s devotional is about surrendering control over the outcomes of our efforts. Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane is our model: “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” Even Jesus, fully obedient and trusting, faced uncertainty and discomfort. Yet He chose surrender over control, demonstrating the strength found in yielding to God’s will.

As we fast and pray for our ministry property, we are called to do the same. It’s easy to become anxious about negotiations, timelines, or resources. Our human instinct is to push, plan, and micromanage. But God invites us to trust Him—not only with provision but with the process itself. Laying down control does not mean inaction; it means choosing obedience and faith over worry and manipulation.

Control is often rooted in fear: fear of delays, of loss, or of unmet expectations. Fasting creates moments when we become more aware of these fears. Hunger, discomfort, and silence remind us that we cannot accomplish God’s purposes through our own strength alone. Each pang is an invitation to turn to God, to pray, and to acknowledge that His ways are higher than ours.

Laying down control also fosters peace. When we surrender, we stop carrying the heavy burden of trying to manage every detail. We leave space for God’s creativity, guidance, and favor to operate. We free ourselves to focus on what God is doing in our hearts, in our leadership, and in our church community.

Reflection/Application:

  • Identify one area in the ministry property process where you have been trying to control the outcome.
  • Pray specifically about that area and release it to God, trusting His wisdom.
  • Take a few minutes to meditate on Matthew 6:33, reminding yourself to seek God’s Kingdom first, and trust that everything else will align.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we surrender our need to control. We trust Your wisdom and Your timing. Guide every step we take, guard our hearts from anxiety, and help us follow Your will with humility and faith. Teach us to rest in Your sovereignty, knowing that Your plans are perfect and Your ways are best. Amen.