Being Obedient to God (When You’d Rather Run the Show)

I have to tell you; obedience is a word that used to make me squirm. Many people who are new to faith are like me when I came back to my faith after a long rebellion—back when I thought I had life all figured out—and then you remember that following Jesus isn’t just worship songs and coffee with some really nice people on Sundays. It means actually means obeying God on a daily basis. You may say, “Hold up. I just signed up for love and grace, not a rulebook thicker than my grandma’s cookbook.” And control? Oh, letting go of that can feel like handing over your car keys to a stranger and praying they don’t crash.

If you’re a new Christian, maybe you’re feeling that too. You’re excited about Jesus, but the idea of obeying Him and trusting His plan instead of yours? That’s a big ask. What if His plan doesn’t line up with the life you’ve been dreaming about during those late-night scrolls? What if it’s harder than you expected? I’ve wrestled with those questions myself, and I want to walk through this with you—because it’s not as scary as it sounds. It’s better.

Here’s what I’ve learned, backed by more Scripture than I can fit in this small blog: obedience isn’t God bossing you around, and letting go of control isn’t losing yourself or your identity. It’s finding a plan that’s bigger—and honestly, sweeter—than anything you or I could dream up. So come on, let’s dig into this obedience vs. control thing together.

Obedience: God’s Not a Drill Sergeant

I used to think obedience meant God was up there with a scorecard, ready to dock points every time I messed up. Like He was saying, “Tonya, your prayer was too short—double bogey.” And, if you’ve ever seen my golf game, you know how much that hurts. But that’s not it at all. Look at John 10:10 where Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Got that? A full life! Not a checklist life. Obedience isn’t about rules for the sake of rules—it’s about following the One who knows the way because He made the way (yes, I realize that sounds like a Hallmark card or a TikTok post, but it’s true).

Think of it like this: when I was little, my mother would tell me not to touch the stove. Was she being mean? No—she loved me enough that she didn’t want me to get burned. God’s the same. Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” That’s not a drill sergeant barking orders—that’s a Father who’s watching out for you with love. Obedience is trusting He sees what you can’t.

But here’s the heart of the issue—obedience is tough because we love running our own show. Proverbs 16:9 puts it plainly: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” You’ve got dreams—big ones, good ones. I have them too. Big ones. But God’s saying, “I’ve got something even better if you’ll let Me lead.” That’s obedience—not a burden, but a hand to hold.

Control: The Myth We Cling To

Here’s where I’ve stumbled more times than I’d like to admit, thinking I can control everything and I know what’s best. I’ve spent years trying to plan my life like it’s a recipe—two parts hard work, one part prayer, bake at 350, and boom, perfection. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. Life’s messy. You can’t control the job that falls through, the friend who walks away, or the curveballs that leave you crying into your Maxwell House because you can’t afford any more Starbucks this month.

Jesus knew we’d wrestle with this. In Matthew 6:27, He asks, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Nope. I’ve tried, and all I got was a headache. Control’s an illusion, my sweet friend. But here’s the good news: when you let go, Someone better takes over. One of my favorite verses, Jeremiah 29:11 says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” That’s not a maybe—that’s a promise from the God who knows you better than you know yourself.

And oh, Matthew 11:28-30? That’s a good one too. Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me… for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” I love that. He’s not piling on more weight—He’s lifting what’s crushing you. Letting go of control isn’t falling apart; it’s falling into rest.

Trusting Without the Freak-Out

So how do you do this—obey and trust without feeling like you’re losing everything? Start small. You don’t have to figure it all out today. Here’s what’s worked for me after plenty of stumbles:

1. Talk to Him like a friend. Prayer’s not fancy—just tell God, “I’m nervous about this. Help me trust You.” Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds.” That peace? It’s real. I’ve felt it.
2. Try it once. Obey in something little—like forgiving someone who hurt you (Colossians 3:13). Watch what God does. He’s not going to leave you hanging.
3. Wait and see. Psalm 37:5 says, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.” Give Him the reins and watch Him move. It’s slow sometimes, but it’s good.

Here’s a hidden gem: trusting God’s plan grows you up in faith. Romans 8:28 promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” The hard days, the wins, the times you wonder if He’s even listening—He’s weaving it all into something beautiful. I’ve seen it in my own life, and I promise you’ll see it too.

You’re Still You—Just Better

Obedience doesn’t mean you stop being you. I’m still the coffee-loving, slightly stubborn woman I’ve always been. You’re still the dreamer, the creator, the one with a heart full of ideas. Surrendering’s not about losing that—it’s about letting God shape it. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” He’s not erasing you—He’s making you shine brighter.

So, new Christian friend, take it from someone who’s been around the block: obedience isn’t a cage, and control’s not worth clinging to. Trusting God’s plan feels shaky at first, but it’s the steadiest ground you’ll ever find. One step, one prayer, one “Okay, Lord, I’m in.” You’re not giving up—you’re stepping into something bigger.

☕ A little faith, a little courage, and a whole lot of stubborn joy. – Tonya

What’s the toughest part of trusting God for you? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your heart!

© 2025 All posts written by Tonya E. Lee