Letting Go of Control

In this message, Pastor Steven Pettis walks us through one of the most difficult but necessary steps in the life of every believer—letting go of control. Using Jesus’ powerful words in Matthew 16:24-25, we explore the tension between our desire to lead and God’s call for us to follow. Through the example of Peter’s resistance and Abraham’s obedience, we’re challenged to surrender our plans, our anxieties, and our illusion of control to the One who holds our future.

What happens when our desire for certainty collides with God’s invitation to trust?

What does it look like to come after Jesus with open hands and a surrendered heart?

As we examine Hebrews 12:1-2 and 1 Peter 5:7, we see that the weight of anxiety is often tied to our unwillingness to release control. But Jesus gives us a formula for freedom: Come after Me, deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Me.