What We Can Control

The Washington Commanders were a pleasant surprise to many last season as rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels lifted the offense and led them to the NFC Championship game.

Daniels had a special connection with veteran wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who finished the 2024 season with 1,096 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns on his way to being named a second-team All-Pro.

Following his best season, the 29-year-old McLaurin has expressed a desire for a lucrative contract extension from the team that drafted him in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

However, the two sides have been unable to agree on a revised contract. The negotiations have led to McLaurin holding out and then holding in at training camp, and he now has requested a trade. It appears the Commanders want to keep him, but we'll see if the two sides can agree on a deal.

In the meantime, second-year star quarterback Jayden Daniels is without his top receiver during training camp.

Being asked about McLaurin's situation, this is how Daniels responded: "I can't control what he has going on with his business or the front office, stuff like that. I got to go out there and try to be the best version of myself each and every day. I just hope one day it all gets resolved and 17 is back out here catching passes."

Ultimately, Daniels can't control what the front office does with contracts or what his teammates do when wanting a new contract, so he must focus on what he can control in a tricky situation.

Often, you and I find ourselves in similar dilemmas because many things in life are beyond our control. Whether it's something at work, the choices our kids make, health issues, car accidents, or countless other challenges we regularly face, we're reminded that we can't control everything or everyone as much as we'd like to.

As followers of Jesus, we know that God is ultimately in control, and we surrender to His will, plan, and purposes. Along with that posture, we must also focus on what we can control while acknowledging and accepting the things we can't control.

We continue to go to God's Word to help us understand what we do have control over as we align ourselves with His will and submit to His plan one day at a time.

So what can we control? There are many things as we live by the power of the Holy Spirit within us, but we'll focus on four of them today.

First of all, we can choose to trust God.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP) tells us, "Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]."

Secondly, we can commit whatever we're doing to the Lord and respond by following His guidance.

Proverbs 16:3 (AMP) says, "Commit your works to the Lord [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance]."

Thirdly, with a heart transformed by Jesus, we can cultivate gratitude and thankfulness.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) implores us to "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

Lastly, with the power of the Holy Spirit, we can choose to humble ourselves.

James 4:10 (AMP) gives us this command: "Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose]."

Additionally, Psalm 25:9 (ESV) explains, "He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble His way."

Although we may want to change many of the things not going our way at the moment, or desire complete control of what happens in our future, what we can do is focus on what we can control.

Rather than being discouraged, frustrated, and worried by things that are beyond our control, let's experience peace and joy as we focus on cultivating trust, gratitude, humility, and a willingness to commit everything to God.

I'm Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess I desire to have more control over what happens in life, but I know so much is out of my hands. Please help me to trust You and understand that it's okay because You are in control. I pray You strengthen me as I choose thankfulness and humility and commit everything I do to You. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.