Trusting God’s Plan in a World of “What Ifs”

“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” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).

How many times have you found yourself trapped in a cycle of endless “what ifs”? I know I have. There have been countless moments when I’ve caught myself mapping out every possible scenario, thinking, “If this happens, then I’ll respond like this,” or “If they say that, then I’ll do this.” It’s like playing mental chess with my own life, trying to stay one step ahead.

But how many of those times have I rushed into action, only to regret my quick response later? Too many to count.

God tells us that He knows the plans He has for us, yet so often, we find ourselves consumed with worry about the future. We’re anxious about things that haven’t even happened yet, while the present—this day, this moment—slips away unnoticed.

Trusting God’s Timing

The truth is, if we genuinely believe that God has a plan for our lives, and that His plans are far greater than anything we could dream up, why do we try so hard to take control? Why do we let our worries, concerns, and personal plans get in the way of trusting Him?

Psalm 27:14 gives us clear instructions: “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” Waiting isn’t passive; it’s an act of trust. It requires faith in God’s perfect timing, even when our hearts are restless and our minds are eager to act.

When we try to control situations or outcomes, we’re not really waiting on God. Instead, we’re saying, “I don’t trust You to handle this, so I’m going to take over.” To wait is to trust in God’s sovereignty, His wisdom, and His love for us. It is a practice of patience, knowing that His timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with ours.

Letting Go of Control

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “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.” Notice, it says in all your ways submit to Him, not just some. Not just when it feels easy or convenient.

It doesn’t say, “Make your own plans and then ask God to bless them.” We are called to trust, to wait, and to surrender every aspect of our lives to Him. That includes releasing the need to control outcomes and trusting that He is working things out, even when we can’t see it.

A Prayer of Surrender

God, I know the plans You have for me are far greater than anything I could ever dream up on my own. Lord, I know that I can trust You, and that by waiting on You, You are working things out for my good. I understand that doesn’t mean the journey will be easy or pain-free, but I believe that Your ways are better than mine.

As Your word says in Jeremiah 29:11, You have plans to give me a hope and a future. I trust You, Lord, and I will wait on You. Please grant me the patience and strength to wait for Your perfect timing. While I wait, help me to rejoice in You, knowing that You are faithful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Conclusion

It’s easy to get caught up in the “what ifs” and the need to control our lives, but God calls us to a different way. He calls us to trust, to wait, and to surrender. When we do that, we can rest in the assurance that He is working all things together for our good, just as He promised.

No matter what you’re facing today, take heart. God’s plans for you are good, and His timing is perfect. Trust in Him, wait on Him, and know that He is faithful.