Driver’s permit in hand, he is ready for this new stage of life. He’s excited to have more freedom and feels responsible enough to handle a vehicle that can move up to 110 mph and potentially be deadly. I, however, have reservations about this new stage of life. Can I let go?

Are you a control freak like me? Parenting is one area of  my life where my control issues can get a little out of hand. I want to do everything I can to make sure my kids are safe, build good character, do well in school, love Jesus and the list goes on. Mostly, I don’t want them to ever experience pain, emotional or physical. The problem is I don’t really have control over that.

Today the first line of my devotional said, “This is a time in your life when you must learn to let go.” Hmmm. I think God is trying to tell me something. Sarah Young (2004) goes on to say in Jesus Calling:

You can feel secure, even in the midst of cataclysmic changes, through awareness of My continual Presence. The One who never leaves you is the same One who never changes (pg 87).

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 NIV.

But here is my argument, he’s my son. I can let go of controlling my own life more easily than I can his. I love him too much to let him suffer.

Several years ago, I was crying out to God because my son was suffering. I kept saying, “But he’s my son, he’s my son…” God responded in a clear and profound way, “And, I am his Father.” Ouch. It is hard to wrap my head around the idea that God loves my children more than I do. Not only do I have to learn to let go and trust my kids with new responsibilities, I also have to trust that God has them wrapped up in His arms.

I know I can’t protect them from the world. Just when I want to try to pull them in a little closer, I hear God’s voice, “I am their Father.” I’m learning to let go. I’m trying to trust more. It’s not easy. I hang on the promise that God is continually with me and continually with my sons.

What are you holding onto that God wants to control? At the heart of this is fear. It’s my fear of something bad happening that makes me want to control situations. Are you letting fear win? Are you ready to make a change? Ask God to help you. He will.

Share your success and struggles here. We can encourage and grow with each other.