There are moments in life when you feel like you are in control. You plan things, you decide your direction, and everything seems to move according to your understanding. But then there are also moments when life suddenly shifts, and you realize you are not in control as much as you thought. Those are the moments when trusting God is no longer just a concept but a necessity.

I was reminded of this through a simple memory from my childhood. One day, my brother and I decided to spend some time together flying a kite. It was one of those bright, sunny days where everything felt light and peaceful. We went out, bought the paper, the sticks, and the thread, and carefully began building the kite. My brother was the one who knew how to do it properly. I would sit next to him, watching every step, helping in small ways, learning without even realizing it.

^{A representation of me and my brother flying a kite, with my brother holding the thread and me lifting the kite high, waiting for his count.}

Once the kite was ready, we tested it, adjusting the balance, tying the right knots, and making sure everything was set. Then came the moment to fly it. My brother held the thread, and he asked me to take the kite and go a little farther ahead. I stood there, holding it, waiting for his voice. He counted, “Three… two… one…” and on that final call, I jumped and released the kite into the air.

What’s interesting is this. In that moment, I wasn’t looking at the kite; I was looking at my brother. Even if the kite didn’t lift the first time or the second time, I never doubted him. I just kept trusting that he was holding the thread, that he knew what he was doing, and that eventually, the kite would rise. And it always did. After a few tries, it would lift, catch the wind, and begin to fly steadily in the sky. Then he would call me and hand over the thread so I could experience that joy too.

Life with God is very similar to that moment. There are times when you cannot see what is happening. You don’t understand why things are not working, why plans are not falling into place, or why certain doors are not opening. But the question is, where are your eyes fixed? Are you staring at the situation, or are you looking at the One who holds the thread?

The Bible reminds us in Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” That verse is not just a comforting line. It is a promise. It is God reminding us that even when things feel uncertain, He is still in control.

When we talk about letting Jesus take the wheel, it’s not just about saying the words. It is about understanding what happens when we truly surrender. And honestly, surrender is not easy. Because one of the biggest struggles we face in life is the question “Why?”

Why is this happening to me?
Why now?
Why didn’t things go the way I planned?

That simple question has caused confusion, frustration, and even broken relationships. Even in the Bible, we see people asking God “why.” The Israelites, when they were in Egypt, cried out in pain during their time of slavery. They must have wondered why God allowed them to go through such suffering. But what they didn’t see was that God was already working behind the scenes, preparing a way for their deliverance.

• And that brings us to something we often struggle with—waiting.

Waiting is one of the hardest parts of trusting God. Because in waiting, you don’t have answers. You don’t see progress. You just have to hold on. And sometimes, it feels like nothing is happening. But waiting is not wasted time. Waiting is where God prepares you for what is ahead.

Think about it. When the kite is released, it doesn’t immediately fly perfectly. There are moments when it shakes, when it drops, when it struggles to find its direction. But the one holding the thread knows how to guide it, how to pull at the right time, how to give it space, and how to lift it higher. In the same way, God knows exactly what we need, even when we don’t understand the process.

• And then comes the third part—fear.

Fear comes when we feel like we are alone. Fear comes when we think we have to figure everything out by ourselves. But when you truly believe that God is holding your life, fear begins to lose its power. It doesn’t mean fear disappears instantly, but it no longer controls your decisions.

If you look at the lives of people in the Bible—Moses, David, Paul—you will notice something common. None of them had an easy journey. Moses had to lead a nation out of slavery without knowing how everything would unfold. David faced battles, rejection, and moments of deep struggle. Paul went from persecuting Christians to becoming one of the strongest voices of faith, facing suffering along the way.

But what held them steady was not their strength; it was their trust in God. Even Jesus Himself, in His most painful moment, experienced what it meant to feel alone. There was a moment on the cross when He cried out in deep anguish. It shows us that suffering is real, that pain is real, and that even in those moments, God understands what we go through. But it also reminds us of something powerful—Jesus did not stay in that place of suffering. His sacrifice brought restoration, hope, and life for all of us.

^{When Jesus takes the Wheels}

So what does this mean for us today?

It means that when life feels uncertain, when things don’t go the way you expected, and when you are tempted to take control of everything on your own, maybe it’s time to pause and let God take the lead. It doesn’t mean you stop doing your part. It means you stop trying to control what only God can handle.

You may not see where your life is heading right now. You may feel like things are not lifting the way you hoped. But just like that kite, your life is not directionless. Someone is holding the thread. Someone sees the bigger picture. Someone knows exactly when to pull, when to release, and when to lift you higher.

The question is not whether God is in control. The question is whether you are willing to trust Him. Because sometimes, the best thing you can do in life is not to hold tighter, but to let go—and say, “Jesus, take the wheel.”