From Running the Universe to Resting in God: The Power of Surrender and Action

Recovery is a journey that often begins in the middle of a mess. It starts when the weight of

trying to manage every detail of our lives—and the lives of everyone around us—becomes too heavy to carry. For many of us, the hardest part of sobriety isn't just putting down a substance; it is putting down the need to be in control. We spend years acting as the directors of our own lives, convinced that if we just push harder, scream louder, or plan better, we can force the world to align with our will. But real healing begins with a different kind of strength. It begins with the courage to admit that we are not God. 

Surrender is often misunderstood as a sign of weakness or giving up. In reality, it is a profound act of liberation. It is the moment we stop trying to run the universe and finally take God’s lead. This shift doesn't happen all at once through a single thought or a burst of willpower. Instead, it is a relationship that is built over time through consistent, messy, and honest action. Faith isn't something you can simply think your way into; it is something you experience by showing up, even when you are shaking, and watching God do for you what you could never do for yourself. 

It is a relief to realize the world doesn't rest on my shoulders. 

The Illusion of Control and the Weight of Self-Will 

Most of us in recovery didn't necessarily set out to reject God; we simply put ourselves in His place. We became the ultimate authority on how things should go. This "self-will run riot" shows up in the big things, like our careers and relationships, but it also shows up in the smallest moments of our day. You can see it in the way we react to a red light or a slow driver in traffic. We find ourselves internally shouting, "Why won't they move? Why isn't this going my way?" In those moments, we are acting as if we have the power to control the flow of the world. 

When we write it down on paper, the idea that we can control everything looks foolish, yet we live that way every day. We think our thinking is the solution to our problems, forgetting that our thinking is often what got us into the mess in the first place. Recovery requires us to resign from the position of "General Manager of the Universe." When we finally stop trying to force outcomes, life gets lighter. We find that God is a much better driver than we ever were. 

Building Faith Through Experience Rather Than Theory 

Once we admit we aren't in control, the next question is often, "How do I actually trust God?" Many people wait for a lightning bolt of faith to hit them before they start moving. They want to feel certain before they take a step. But Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This is so true in recovery which is rarely about certainty; it is about the conviction of things not seen. It is a muscle that only grows when it is used. 

If you want to know if God is real, look at the people around you in the rooms of recovery. You will see individuals who were once completely wiped out—people who had lost their families, their health, and their hope—now standing tall and helping others. These are people who tried to quit a thousand times on their own and failed, yet today they are sober. That is a miracle. We build our own faith by "borrowing" the faith of others until we have enough experiences of our own. We see God working through the hands and voices of broken people, and we realize that if He can redeem their wreckage, He can certainly redeem ours. 

Faith is not a feeling we wait for; it is a path we walk. 

The Power of "All In" Surrender 

There is a significant difference between dipping a toe into faith and going "all in." Many of us spent years trying to negotiate with God, asking for just enough help to get out of trouble without actually having to change our lives. We tried to find a middle ground where we could keep our old habits while enjoying a new life. But nothing good grows on the fence. 

True transformation happens when we become desperate enough to scream out for help. That desperation is actually a gift because it strips away the ego that tells us we can handle it. When we finally go "all in" with God, we stop looking for loopholes and start looking for direction. We stop asking "Why is this happening?" and start asking "What would You have me do?" This shift from "my will" to "Thy will" is the bridge from the darkness of addiction to the light of a new way of living. 

Living Out the Relationship Daily 

Finding God is not the finish line; it is the starting blocks. A relationship with the Creator is something that must be built through daily interaction. It is not an inheritance we received from our parents or a badge we earn once and keep forever. It is lived out in the way we treat the person at the grocery store, the way we handle a difficult conversation, and the way we show up for our commitments. 

We often "suck at it," and that’s okay. Perfection is not the requirement; willingness is. God doesn't need us to be polished; He needs us to be present. When we continue in service to others and stay connected to a spiritual community, we aren't just "finding" Jesus—we are learning to follow Him. We find God in the service work, in the shared stories of struggle, and in the quiet moments of prayer where we admit we need help for just one more day. 

Lord, thank You for taking the wheel when I tried to drive us into the ground. 

A New Perspective on the Journey 

As we move forward, we begin to see our "bottom" not as a place of shame, but as a foundation of gratitude. If we hadn't hit the bottom, we might never have looked up. The very things we once thought would destroy us become the fuel for our redemption. We realize that while we were busy trying to run the universe, God was busy saving us from ourselves. 

Today, when you feel the urge to take control back—when you feel that familiar tightness in your chest because things aren't going your way—take a breath. Remember that you are not God. Remember that you have seen miracles in the lives of those around you. Take one small, faithful action, and trust that the God who pulled you out of the quicksand is more than capable of leading you through the rest of the day. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do I know if I’m actually surrendering or just giving up? 

Giving up is rooted in despair and involves walking away from hope. Surrender is rooted in trust and involves walking toward God. Surrender says, "I can't do this, but God can, and I will let Him." 

What if I don't feel like I have any faith? 

That is okay. You don't need a lot of faith to start; you only need a little bit of willingness. Look at the "living miracles" in recovery—people who are sober today despite the odds. Let their experience be your evidence until you have your own. 

Why do I keep trying to take control back even after I've prayed? 

It is a human instinct to want to protect ourselves through control. It’s like a muscle memory from our time in addiction. When you notice yourself doing it, don't beat yourself up. Just acknowledge it, pray for help to let go, and re-center yourself. 

Is faith just a way to avoid taking responsibility? 

Quite the opposite. Faith gives us the strength to take real responsibility. Instead of hiding from our mistakes or blaming others, faith allows us to face the truth, make amends, and take the next right action with God’s help. 

Can I have a relationship with God if I've done terrible things? 

Yes. No one is irredeemable. God specializes in turning disasters into positives. Your past doesn't disqualify you from His love; it often becomes the very thing He uses to help you connect with and support others. 

Call to Action 

If you are looking for more ways to build your relationship with God or want to hear more stories of hope and recovery, we invite you to visit Back to the Bible at https://backtothebible.org. You can also listen to more honest conversations on the Alive & Sober Podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or YouTube.

Remember, you don't have to run the universe today. You just have to follow the One who does.