Why Your Best Plans Are Nothing Compared to God’s

When Faith Feels Like a Free Fall

You mapped out your dreams, lined up the details, and felt sure everything was falling into place—until it wasn’t. The job didn’t come through. The relationship crumbled. The plan unraveled. And suddenly, you’re left wondering if you got it all wrong.

We’ve all been there.

We hustle, strategize, and try to control the outcome, only to hit unexpected roadblocks. But what if those setbacks aren’t accidents? What if surrendering your plans doesn’t mean losing control—but actually choosing the best possible path?

I learned this lesson firsthand when I moved to Los Angeles. It wasn’t the logical choice. I had safer, easier options—Hawaii, where I had friends, or San Francisco, where my family lived. But something about LA called me, even though I knew no one there. It was the option that required the most faith. Choosing LA meant stepping into the unknown, fully relying on God’s provision.

And that’s exactly what happened.

Doors opened. Unexpected connections formed. I found a place to stay, met the right people, and got plugged into a church that became my family. Looking back, I realize that faith often looks like a free fall—but when God is catching you, you’re never really falling. You’re being carried.

“Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.” — Elisabeth Elliot

So, let’s talk about why surrendering to God isn’t about giving up—it’s about gaining something far better.

Why Do We Struggle to Let Go?

We love control. We love plans, lists, and knowing exactly how things will unfold. The problem? We often make our own plans first and then ask God to bless them. When things don’t work out, we get frustrated instead of realizing that maybe—just maybe—God has something better in mind.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) reminds us:

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

The truth is, we aren’t meant to figure everything out on our own. God sees what we can’t. When we surrender our plans to Him, we gain wisdom, clarity, and a path that actually leads to fulfillment—not frustration.

“We are not called to figure everything out, but to trust the One who already has.” — Corrie ten Boom

Alright, so we know surrender is important. But how do we actually do it—when fear, doubt, and our need for control keep getting in the way?

Soul Insights

1. When God Closes a Door, It’s Not Punishment—It’s Protection

We’ve all faced closed doors—jobs we didn’t get, relationships that didn’t work, opportunities that slipped through our fingers. In the moment, it stings. But looking back, how many times have you realized that what you thought was rejection was actually divine redirection?

When I moved to LA, I had no clue how things would unfold, but every time I prayed, doors kept opening. Couch-surfing led to stable housing. Strangers became lifelong friends. My prayers were answered in ways I never expected.

Isaiah 30:21 (NIV) says:

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”

God’s “no” is often His way of saying, “I have something better.”

2. Peace is the Ultimate Confirmation

One of the simplest ways to discern God’s will? Follow the peace.

Have you ever tried forcing something, but deep down, it never felt right? Maybe you moved forward with a decision out of fear, pressure, or impatience—only to regret it later.

I’ve learned that when God leads, He leads with peace. If you’re striving, restless, or anxious, it’s worth pausing and asking: Is this really what God wants for me?

If you have peace, move forward. If you don’t, hold off. God doesn’t operate in confusion—He leads with clarity.

3. Your Strength Has Limits—God’s Doesn’t

Trying to control everything is exhausting. We stress, overthink, and try to force outcomes—only to burn out.

“God will only give you what you would have asked for if you knew everything He knows.” — Timothy Keller

Letting go isn’t about giving up—it’s about shifting the burden. When we surrender, we aren’t walking away from responsibility; we’re handing it to the One who can actually carry it.

You don’t have to figure it all out. You just have to trust the One who already has.

4. Delays Aren’t Denials—They’re Growth Seasons

Ever prayed for something and felt like God just…ignored you?

Joseph in the Bible had dreams of greatness, but before stepping into his calling, he spent years in slavery and prison. His waiting season was actually a preparation season.

Looking back, some of my biggest “delays” were actually setups for something better. When I thought I was being overlooked, God was actually aligning things for the right time.

When things feel delayed, remember: God is not just working on your circumstances—He’s working on you.

5. Surrender Doesn’t Mean Passivity—It Means Trusting While Taking Action

Surrendering to God doesn’t mean sitting back and doing nothing. It means seeking Him first, praying for guidance, and then moving in faith.

Psalm 32:8 (NLT) says:

“The LORD says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’”

God doesn’t just tell us where to go—He walks with us every step of the way.

Final Thoughts: Just Enjoy the Ride

If I could sum up what I’ve learned about surrendering to God, it would be this:

Pray, trust, and enjoy the ride.

We don’t have to force things. We don’t have to carry everything on our own. When we release our plans into God’s hands, we find freedom.

Want to Take This Deeper? Try This:

• Reflect: What’s one area of your life where you’re struggling to surrender control?

• Pray: “God, I release this into Your hands. Guide me, lead me, and give me peace as I trust Your perfect plan.”

• Journal: Write down a time when God redirected you. How did it work out for the better?

At the end of the day, God’s plan will always be better than anything we could have imagined. So why stress? Just pray, trust, and let God do what He does best.

What about you? Have you ever had a moment where surrendering led to something unexpectedly amazing? Let’s chat in the comments! 😊

Soul Path Insights