Dear Christian Mentor, Can you walk with me through Lent? (Control)

Control

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

Dear Christian Mentor,

I have participated in Lent many times, but it often feels like something I should do rather than an experience that draws me closer to the Lord. Can you walk with me through the season of Lent?

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Dear Mentee,

Today, we search ourselves to be aware of our controlling tendency. Proverbs 3:5-6 guides us to give up control and move into surrender and trust in the Lord.

1. Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
   This is wholehearted reliance. Not partial faith supplemented by self-protection. Not trust in spiritual matters while maintaining control in practical ones. This is integrated trust — emotional, intellectual, and volitional.

2. Do not lean on your own understanding.
   Self-reliance feels stabilizing because it is familiar. But your understanding is finite. Past wounds, fears, and limited foresight shape it. Leaning implies weight-bearing. The question is: what is carrying you?

3. In all your ways acknowledge Him.
   This is total surrender. Invite God into decisions, conversations, finances, relationships, ambitions, disappointments — not as an advisor, but as Lord.

4. He will make straight your paths.
   This is not a promise of ease. It is a promise of direction. God commits Himself to guiding the surrendered heart.

Fast: Today, fast from your need to control outcomes.

When you notice yourself tightening, rehearsing scenarios, over-managing conversations, or striving to guarantee results — pause and pray:

“Lord, I release this to You. Give me self-control where I am anxious and surrender where I am gripping.”

Today’s Promise: If you surrender your control and entrust yourself fully to God, He will direct your path.

Application: Set aside at least 10–20 uninterrupted minutes. Sit comfortably. Take slow breaths.

• Reflect honestly:

  • Where in your life are you gripping for control?
    Relationships? Finances? Reputation? Plans?

  • Why is surrender difficult for you?
    Fear of loss? Past disappointment? Distrust born from unanswered prayers?

  • Have there been seasons when trusting God felt unsafe?
    Share these moments honestly with God.

  • Where have you seen God’s faithfulness in the past?
    Recall specific provisions, rescues, and redirections.

  Surrender is not passive resignation. It is an active entrusting.

~ Christian Mentor

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