Why “God Is in Control” Isn’t the Whole Truth — Partnering with God’s Plan (Ephesians 1:10 TPT)

stephaniearje
5 days ago
3 min read

What if God isn’t controlling every event, but inviting us to co-labor with Him to bring His kingdom to earth?

Reflection - Ephesians 1:10 (The Passion Translation)

“And because of God’s unfailing purpose, this detailed plan will reign supreme through every period of time until the fulfillment of all the ages finally reaches its climax—when God makes all things new in all of heaven and earth through Jesus Christ.” Eph 1:10 TPT

Today I found myself thinking about a phrase I’ve heard countless times—one that’s especially common among Christians:

“God is in control.”

That phrase really bothers me. Because when I look around, I think—if God were truly in control right now, then His kingdom would be established here on earth. That would mean no more poverty, sin, murder, hatred, theft, sickness, or destruction. A world under His full control would be filled with the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—not the works of the flesh.

As I was reading and declaring Ephesians 1 aloud today, verse 10 in the Passion Translation seemed to shine a clarifying light on this idea. It showed me the contrast between the common phrase “God is in control” and the truth of God’s unfolding plan.

It seems to me that people often say “God is in control” when facing stressful, painful, or uncertain situations—as if it’s a way to explain the unexplainable, or calm our fears when things feel out of control.

But then I paused and thought:

When Daniel faced the lions’ den, did he stand there saying, “God is in control”? Or did he humble himself, pray, and declare the truth of who God is? Perhaps he spoke a verse like, “I will fear no evil, for You are with me.”

When I faced my own “lions’ den,” that phrase wasn’t what came to mind either. My first thought was simply, “Lord, help!” Then, the Word began to rise in me: “You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” Under my breath I whispered, “I will fear no evil, for You are with me.”

In that moment, I was standing before a hostile audience speaking truth they did not want to hear. There were even people with concealed carries in the crowd, ready to protect me. Yet the peace that came wasn’t from knowing they were there—it was from above. It was as if an invisible shield surrounded me—front, back, and all around. Fear couldn’t enter. Hate couldn’t touch me.

When it was over, the same peace stayed with me. As angry people approached, something greater than myself—the Holy Spirit Himself—responded to each one with compassion and love. I knew it wasn’t me; it was Him.

As I reflect on that moment, I realize another reason why the phrase “God is in control” troubles me: it often leads to passivity instead of partnership. It can sound like a call to stand by and watch rather than to rise up and co-labor with Him.

Ephesians 1:10 reminds me that God’s purpose and plan are still unfolding—that He will reign supreme through every period of time, until the fulfillment of His design is complete. In other words, we’re not living in a world where God is controlling every event—we’re living in a world where He is redeeming and restoring all things through Jesus Christ, and inviting us to partner with Him in that work.