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Making Peace with What I Can’t Control: Find Relief from the Exhaustion of Overthinking, Trying to Fix Others, and Wanting to Figure It All Out
#1 New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst offers a life-giving alternative to the exhausting madness of trying to change people who don't want to be changed, prevent outcomes we fear, and manage things outside of our control.
It's not that we want to be controlling people; it's just that we want to prevent bad things from happening and bring stability to the chaos. Especially when we are afraid of what God seems to be allowing. So we come up with plans and get very intentional about trying to make everyone around us line up with what we really think is best.
We don't have bad motives. We're just desperate to prevent another hardship, more heartbreak, and all the emotional turmoil that feels so unnecessary. But this only leads to a counterfeit version of control where we believe everything depends on us--a crushing weight we were never meant to bear.
In this book, Lysa TerKeurst addresses the tension so many of us live in, where it seems like the Lord isn't paying attention and the only reasonable option is to take matters into our own hands. She shows us how to:
Identify the core fears that fuel us to reach for control but only compound the chaos.
Know when we're crossing the line from healthy responsibility into the dangerous territory of fear-driven control.
Recognize specific tactics of the enemy that keep us in spiritual confusion (about God) fueled by emotional exhaustion (from the relentlessness of life).
Stop allowing the decisions of others to rob our peace by learning what to do when we feel tempted to inappropriately intervene, rescue, or control the narrative.
Wrestle honestly with the Lord about hard questions like, Why aren't You doing more to change this person or these circumstances? and I didn't see You do it then, so how do I know You'll do it now?
It's not that we want to be controlling people; it's just that we want to prevent bad things from happening and bring stability to the chaos. Especially when we are afraid of what God seems to be allowing. So we come up with plans and get very intentional about trying to make everyone around us line up with what we really think is best.
We don't have bad motives. We're just desperate to prevent another hardship, more heartbreak, and all the emotional turmoil that feels so unnecessary. But this only leads to a counterfeit version of control where we believe everything depends on us--a crushing weight we were never meant to bear.
In this book, Lysa TerKeurst addresses the tension so many of us live in, where it seems like the Lord isn't paying attention and the only reasonable option is to take matters into our own hands. She shows us how to:
Identify the core fears that fuel us to reach for control but only compound the chaos.
Know when we're crossing the line from healthy responsibility into the dangerous territory of fear-driven control.
Recognize specific tactics of the enemy that keep us in spiritual confusion (about God) fueled by emotional exhaustion (from the relentlessness of life).
Stop allowing the decisions of others to rob our peace by learning what to do when we feel tempted to inappropriately intervene, rescue, or control the narrative.
Wrestle honestly with the Lord about hard questions like, Why aren't You doing more to change this person or these circumstances? and I didn't see You do it then, so how do I know You'll do it now?
256 pages, Hardcover
Published September 15, 2026
About the author
Lysa TerKeurst
145 books37.4k followersLysa TerKeurst is President and Chief Visionary Officer of Proverbs 31 Ministries. She is also an 8x New York Times’ bestselling author of I Want to Trust You, but I Don't, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes, Forgiving What You Can’t Forget, It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way, Uninvited and more. Her devotional Embraced won the ECPA book of the year for 2019. Lysa was also recently awarded the Champions of Faith Author Award and has appeared on the Today Show many times as one of the leading voices in the Christian community.
Each year, Lysa is a featured keynote presenter at events all across North America and online, including the Global Leadership Network. She also tours state-to-state regularly with TPR. She has a passion for equipping women to share their stories for God’s glory through Proverbs 31 Ministries’ annual She Speaks Conference and her writer training program called COMPEL Pro. Connect with Lysa on social media @lysaterkeurst or at lysaterkeurst.com.
Each year, Lysa is a featured keynote presenter at events all across North America and online, including the Global Leadership Network. She also tours state-to-state regularly with TPR. She has a passion for equipping women to share their stories for God’s glory through Proverbs 31 Ministries’ annual She Speaks Conference and her writer training program called COMPEL Pro. Connect with Lysa on social media @lysaterkeurst or at lysaterkeurst.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 18, 2026
This one really met me where I am right now. I didn’t expect to feel quite so seen by a book about control, but apparently I have a few things to work on! I wouldn’t consider myself a complete control freak, but I definitely tend to live about five steps ahead—running through every possible scenario, anticipating setbacks, and somehow feeling like it’s my job to make everything turn out okay.
I loved the grace and relatability in Lysa’s message. She acknowledges that letting go isn’t easy, especially when you care deeply and don’t have all the answers. There was so much comfort in the reminder that trusting God doesn’t mean I have to understand everything first. He has a plan, He is still working, and I don’t have to carry it all myself. I also really appreciated all of the biblical references and tools to use to make positive changes in my life going forward.
I walked away from this book feeling encouraged, introspective, and a little lighter. This is definitely one I’ll come back to when I need the reminder. More than anything, I loved being reminded that it’s okay to be human, not have everything figured out, and trust that God’s got me!
** I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book! **
I loved the grace and relatability in Lysa’s message. She acknowledges that letting go isn’t easy, especially when you care deeply and don’t have all the answers. There was so much comfort in the reminder that trusting God doesn’t mean I have to understand everything first. He has a plan, He is still working, and I don’t have to carry it all myself. I also really appreciated all of the biblical references and tools to use to make positive changes in my life going forward.
I walked away from this book feeling encouraged, introspective, and a little lighter. This is definitely one I’ll come back to when I need the reminder. More than anything, I loved being reminded that it’s okay to be human, not have everything figured out, and trust that God’s got me!
** I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book! **
September 21, 2026
4.5 stars ⭐️
This book was exactly what I needed in my life. Many, many life truths that I need to hear and boundaries I definitely need to set in place. I listened to the audiobook but may buy a physical copy so I can refer and highlight important passages.
This book was exactly what I needed in my life. Many, many life truths that I need to hear and boundaries I definitely need to set in place. I listened to the audiobook but may buy a physical copy so I can refer and highlight important passages.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Making Peace with What I Can’t Control by Lysa TerKerust
5 Stars
https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
Thank you to Libro.fm and the publisher for a gifted copy of the audiobook to listen to for review. All thoughts are my own.
Wow, this was such a timely and relatable read. Lysa TerKeurst does an excellent job of putting words to something so many of us struggle with.....overthinking, trying to fix situations we can't fix, and carrying burdens that were never ours to carry.
I am such a people pleaser. An overthinker. A worrier. A fixer. I struggle so much with so many situations I can't control that I just have to let the Lord handle and I really appreciated how honest and compassionate this book felt. It doesn't simply tell you to “let go and trust God,” but digs into why we struggle to surrender control in the first place, especially when we're afraid of what might happen or frustrated by circumstances God hasn't changed....
There were so many reminders throughout this book about the difference between taking healthy responsibility and trying to control people, outcomes, and situations out of fear. I also appreciated the emphasis on wrestling honestly with God when we don't understand what He is doing. Difficult questions that Lysa doesn't shy away from...
This was an encouraging and thought-provoking book that reminded me that I don't have to figure everything out, fix everything, or carry everything. Sometimes faith looks like releasing what I can't control and trusting God with it. Sometimes its crying out to Him in those moments when you don't know what the answer is... And that's ok.
There are people in my life when I may want them to make a decision differently. I may not agree with what they are doing. But I can only control my reactions and not their decisions. I can trust that the Lord will take care of everything. I can put my faith in Him. I can rest in HIM. I know it's easier said then done, but Lysa sharing some of her testimonies and her life experiences, she gave the empathy, relatability and understanding so many of us need.
I also loved the emphasis on boundaries at the end and the extra bonus pieces in the audiobook at the end of each chapter. I need to read her boundaries book next honestly, as that's something I am still working through.
If you struggle with overthinking or constantly feeling like everything depends on you, I think this is a book that could really speak to you. It was a beautiful listen for me and I would love to get the physical to mark up someday.
5 Stars
https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
Thank you to Libro.fm and the publisher for a gifted copy of the audiobook to listen to for review. All thoughts are my own.
Wow, this was such a timely and relatable read. Lysa TerKeurst does an excellent job of putting words to something so many of us struggle with.....overthinking, trying to fix situations we can't fix, and carrying burdens that were never ours to carry.
I am such a people pleaser. An overthinker. A worrier. A fixer. I struggle so much with so many situations I can't control that I just have to let the Lord handle and I really appreciated how honest and compassionate this book felt. It doesn't simply tell you to “let go and trust God,” but digs into why we struggle to surrender control in the first place, especially when we're afraid of what might happen or frustrated by circumstances God hasn't changed....
There were so many reminders throughout this book about the difference between taking healthy responsibility and trying to control people, outcomes, and situations out of fear. I also appreciated the emphasis on wrestling honestly with God when we don't understand what He is doing. Difficult questions that Lysa doesn't shy away from...
This was an encouraging and thought-provoking book that reminded me that I don't have to figure everything out, fix everything, or carry everything. Sometimes faith looks like releasing what I can't control and trusting God with it. Sometimes its crying out to Him in those moments when you don't know what the answer is... And that's ok.
There are people in my life when I may want them to make a decision differently. I may not agree with what they are doing. But I can only control my reactions and not their decisions. I can trust that the Lord will take care of everything. I can put my faith in Him. I can rest in HIM. I know it's easier said then done, but Lysa sharing some of her testimonies and her life experiences, she gave the empathy, relatability and understanding so many of us need.
I also loved the emphasis on boundaries at the end and the extra bonus pieces in the audiobook at the end of each chapter. I need to read her boundaries book next honestly, as that's something I am still working through.
If you struggle with overthinking or constantly feeling like everything depends on you, I think this is a book that could really speak to you. It was a beautiful listen for me and I would love to get the physical to mark up someday.
August 31, 2026
Wow. Just the title is a "mic drop" kind of moment, detailing exactly what you'll be getting into and fleshing out throughout this book. This comes at a very coincidental time in my life where I am struggling to make peace with certain things 100% out of my control. Is it hard to surrender to God in word? Not really. Is it hard to surrender to God in deed and thought when things don't go your way? Absolutely. TerKeurst does an amazing job highlighting in Scripture the obedience and surrender that God desires from us as well as how to live this out in a practical way within difficult relationships in our lives. I have benefited from reading almost all of her books she's written and this book does not disappoint. The only reason I rated it 4 starts is the heavy reliance upon the the "Message" translation of bible verses. I appreciate her stating that it is not an actual translation of the Bible, I personally still feel it this version takes too many liberties with the sacred interpretation of Scripture.
Thank you to Nelson Books and Netgalley for granting me access to an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Nelson Books and Netgalley for granting me access to an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2026
Absolutely loved this book!
Prior to reading this book, I would not have considered myself to have controlling tendencies; this book opened my eyes to all the subtle and destructive ways that I attempt to control things that are outside of my control.
I’m so grateful for the gentle (yet clear) and highly relatable way that Lysa writes about this topic. I’ll be coming back to my notes and highlighted sections often!
Age rating: teen and adult.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read an eARC of this book. All thoughts expressed here are my own.
Prior to reading this book, I would not have considered myself to have controlling tendencies; this book opened my eyes to all the subtle and destructive ways that I attempt to control things that are outside of my control.
I’m so grateful for the gentle (yet clear) and highly relatable way that Lysa writes about this topic. I’ll be coming back to my notes and highlighted sections often!
Age rating: teen and adult.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read an eARC of this book. All thoughts expressed here are my own.
September 16, 2026
This book came into my life at exactly the right time. I have spent so much time trying to hold everything together, worrying about the people I love, and feeling responsible for situations and outcomes that are completely beyond my control. I felt understood on almost every page.
Lysa TerKeurst has such a compassionate way of sharing biblical wisdom without making you feel judged. Her reminder that surrendering control doesn't mean I'm giving up or that I don't care was really meaningful for me right now. Recognizing what's mine to carry and trusting God with everything else is key for me
Her words made me realize how much energy I have spent overthinking, anticipating problems, and trying to fix things I was never meant to fix. It gave me practical ways to recognize when I am slipping back into those patterns and reminded me that God is still working even when I cannot see or understand what He is doing.
Making Peace with What I Can’t Control was comforting, convicting, and incredibly timely for me. This is one I know I will return to whenever I feel myself trying to carry the weight of the world again. Five heartfelt stars!
Thank you to Nelson Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Lysa TerKeurst has such a compassionate way of sharing biblical wisdom without making you feel judged. Her reminder that surrendering control doesn't mean I'm giving up or that I don't care was really meaningful for me right now. Recognizing what's mine to carry and trusting God with everything else is key for me
Her words made me realize how much energy I have spent overthinking, anticipating problems, and trying to fix things I was never meant to fix. It gave me practical ways to recognize when I am slipping back into those patterns and reminded me that God is still working even when I cannot see or understand what He is doing.
Making Peace with What I Can’t Control was comforting, convicting, and incredibly timely for me. This is one I know I will return to whenever I feel myself trying to carry the weight of the world again. Five heartfelt stars!
Thank you to Nelson Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
July 1, 2026
Received an ARC and how excited I was for it! This book felt like it was written just for me. I highlighted so many passages because the pages literally put words to things I already knew but desperately needed to be reminded of. Lysa TerKeurst has a way of lovingly exposing the places where we cling to control and gently pointing us back to trust. This is one I’ll return to again and again. Promise that!
September 24, 2026
Chapters 1, 2 and 5 are INCREDIBLE. There are mic drop moments of wisdom that left me wow'd. I loved her honesty and her fearlessness to confront her (mine too!) sin issues of fear/control and take them straight to God...that was really helpful for me. In Chapter 2 with the "Bible guy," I was crying and ready to declare this the best book I had ever read!!! But in other chapters, like Chapter 4 where she talks about the "givers" and the "takers," I just felt like she was sounding super defensive and unhelpfully therapeutic, because we are ALL sinners and therefore ALL "takers" sometimes....then something along these lines reappears when she labels some people as "people who just don't want to be happy." What?!? I definitely agree that we can't make other people happy or "save" other people and it's hard for us that we can't. But it also gave me more defensive vibes. I also did not find any of the extra bonus content at the end of the chapters helpful and those honestly felt like a waste of time except for the one at the end of Chapter 7 with her therapist, Jim.
But there were some amazing quotes from Chapter 1 that I loved and would consider life-changing....
“We think we know best. But isn’t it interesting that the very thing God instructed Adam and Eve not to partake in, the knowledge that they were not capable of handling (Gen 2:17), is what we are still reaching for today?! We aren’t capable of knowing what’s best. Only God has that knowledge. Therefore, only God is capable of steering us toward what is best. Only God is capable of seeing what is truly best. Only God knows what is truly best. Theologians refer to this concept at the omniscience of God – or simply, that he is the God who knows all things. The more we fight against letting God have control, the more we fight against the very thing we desperately want – what is truly best.”
“The only thing my controlling does is make me a less stable and more chaotic version of myself…controlling never makes me a better person. It just makes me a self-deceived person. A person who is setting myself up for the eventual heartbreak of realizing just how very powerless I am on my own.”
"Oh sure, I’ll count on God for some things, but there are other things I would rather not have to factor faith into. I want certainty. I want a three-step plan to fix this. I want to do something rather than trust God with something. The ironic thing is that that most uncertain part of every situation I face is me. My thinking is limited. My ability to see into the future is nonexistent. And I have no ability to control the uncontrollable. The second most ironic thing is that the most certain part of every situation I face is God. His thinking is unlimited. Not only can He see the future, but He stands in it right now. And there is nothing beyond His control. In theory, I know this. But when I am knee-deep in confusion wanting something I very much care about to go the way I think it should go, I don’t want to consider a plan different from mine. Not even God’s plan."
“My real issue isn’t control. It’s fear. And even more shocking to me was the realization that what I am most afraid of is God. I am afraid God will allow things I can’t bear to live with. I’m afraid of my own powerlessness. I’m afraid that I don’t know the full plan and that I am given no chance to weigh-in as to whether I agree with it or not. I fear not being able to comprehend what God does and does not allow. Like Solomon expressed in Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 (MSG).”
“Being able to admit this fear isn’t a sign I’m pulling away from God. Quite the opposite. It means I am finally ready to be honest with Him. And honesty is what God wants. A heart that is seeking Him with questions is so much better than a heart that stays deceived.”
And then this from Chapter 10...
“Fear-based control doesn’t prevent things. It only causes me to pull away from God. I have to make peace with managing fears that are a natural part of caring, but I do not need to be consumed with trying to prevent things that are beyond my control. Once I’ve done all I can do, I need to have a marked moment when I turn this over to the Lord. I have to make peace with the practice of releasing to the Lord what is beyond my ability to make better. The surrender that God invites us into comes with the assurance that what we willingly give up, God promises to take care of. I have to make peace with the way God handles this from here, being assured that what I surrender will still be under His tender care.”
But there were some amazing quotes from Chapter 1 that I loved and would consider life-changing....
“We think we know best. But isn’t it interesting that the very thing God instructed Adam and Eve not to partake in, the knowledge that they were not capable of handling (Gen 2:17), is what we are still reaching for today?! We aren’t capable of knowing what’s best. Only God has that knowledge. Therefore, only God is capable of steering us toward what is best. Only God is capable of seeing what is truly best. Only God knows what is truly best. Theologians refer to this concept at the omniscience of God – or simply, that he is the God who knows all things. The more we fight against letting God have control, the more we fight against the very thing we desperately want – what is truly best.”
“The only thing my controlling does is make me a less stable and more chaotic version of myself…controlling never makes me a better person. It just makes me a self-deceived person. A person who is setting myself up for the eventual heartbreak of realizing just how very powerless I am on my own.”
"Oh sure, I’ll count on God for some things, but there are other things I would rather not have to factor faith into. I want certainty. I want a three-step plan to fix this. I want to do something rather than trust God with something. The ironic thing is that that most uncertain part of every situation I face is me. My thinking is limited. My ability to see into the future is nonexistent. And I have no ability to control the uncontrollable. The second most ironic thing is that the most certain part of every situation I face is God. His thinking is unlimited. Not only can He see the future, but He stands in it right now. And there is nothing beyond His control. In theory, I know this. But when I am knee-deep in confusion wanting something I very much care about to go the way I think it should go, I don’t want to consider a plan different from mine. Not even God’s plan."
“My real issue isn’t control. It’s fear. And even more shocking to me was the realization that what I am most afraid of is God. I am afraid God will allow things I can’t bear to live with. I’m afraid of my own powerlessness. I’m afraid that I don’t know the full plan and that I am given no chance to weigh-in as to whether I agree with it or not. I fear not being able to comprehend what God does and does not allow. Like Solomon expressed in Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 (MSG).”
“Being able to admit this fear isn’t a sign I’m pulling away from God. Quite the opposite. It means I am finally ready to be honest with Him. And honesty is what God wants. A heart that is seeking Him with questions is so much better than a heart that stays deceived.”
And then this from Chapter 10...
“Fear-based control doesn’t prevent things. It only causes me to pull away from God. I have to make peace with managing fears that are a natural part of caring, but I do not need to be consumed with trying to prevent things that are beyond my control. Once I’ve done all I can do, I need to have a marked moment when I turn this over to the Lord. I have to make peace with the practice of releasing to the Lord what is beyond my ability to make better. The surrender that God invites us into comes with the assurance that what we willingly give up, God promises to take care of. I have to make peace with the way God handles this from here, being assured that what I surrender will still be under His tender care.”
September 16, 2026
In the book, Making Peace With What I Can’t Control, Lysa TerKeurst addresses the tension that many of us live in where God doesn’t seem to be paying attention to us and so the only reasonable option is to take matters into our own hands. She shows us how to identify the core fears that fuel us to reach for control.
I found this book hard to read and when I say “hard” I mean I found it hard because it’s a hard subject matter to confront. I don’t consider myself controlling but I do know I struggle with wanting a positive outcome all the time and that’s just not possible. The book itself was easy to understand though and I’m glad I can go back and read it again because there are many parts that I want to revisit. I know working on this is going to take a long time but I also know it will be worth it. I didn’t realize just how much I was struggling with this until I read this book. I shed many tears reading this book. It was a deep and emotional read. I would definitely recommend this book, it has changed my perspective on numerous things that I haven’t been able to control and was unconsciously and consciously trying to control. If you resonate with this at all I recommend reading this book.
Thank you to the publisher, Thomas Nelson/Nelson Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
I found this book hard to read and when I say “hard” I mean I found it hard because it’s a hard subject matter to confront. I don’t consider myself controlling but I do know I struggle with wanting a positive outcome all the time and that’s just not possible. The book itself was easy to understand though and I’m glad I can go back and read it again because there are many parts that I want to revisit. I know working on this is going to take a long time but I also know it will be worth it. I didn’t realize just how much I was struggling with this until I read this book. I shed many tears reading this book. It was a deep and emotional read. I would definitely recommend this book, it has changed my perspective on numerous things that I haven’t been able to control and was unconsciously and consciously trying to control. If you resonate with this at all I recommend reading this book.
Thank you to the publisher, Thomas Nelson/Nelson Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2026
This book found me at the perfect time. I found it biblically grounded and practical.
Thank you to libro.fm for my ALC!
Thank you to libro.fm for my ALC!
September 16, 2026
I always learn something very tangible from Lysa’s books. Insights about Judas in this book were very thought provoking. I appreciate that she consults & credits a theologian & a counselor/therapist expert in her work.
September 21, 2026
I spent time with friends this weekend, and their stories led me to tell them about Lysa's new book, Making Peace with What I Can’t Control. So much of life—other people and unforeseen circumstances alike—lies beyond our control, and uncertainty can leave us overwhelmed or defeated.
Though we long for calm and order, life rarely goes as planned. Lysa teaches readers to focus instead on what they do have control over: their thoughts, choices, behavior, and actions.
Her opening example is personal: someone she loved had struggled with addiction. Concerned, she checked the person’s location at 2 a.m., drove to a drive-thru, and found them there. I first hoped it was a false alarm. It wasn’t. A breathalyzer confirmed the person had driven drunk, suggesting this was not Lysa’s first intervention. She cried all the way home.
Lysa realized that feeling responsible for this person had pulled her from home at night and put her in front of a drunk driver who did not want her help. From there, she asks how we also try to control people, circumstances, and outcomes that are not ours to manage. Wanting safety and stability, we plan and prepare to avoid being caught off guard. Fear had been “driving the bus,” Lysa says. She believed that if she did not intervene, no one would, but learned that we cannot change people or choose for them. We can help carry their burdens only when they accept our help.
Life requires living with uncertainty. Lysa acknowledges that God sometimes permits pain we cannot understand. Using Genesis 3, she shows how Adam and Eve tried to solve their own problems and reminds us that apart from God, we are often the problem, not the solution. Only He sees ahead and knows what is best. She argues that control often grows from fear and deception. Satan tempts us toward the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil rather than the Tree of Life, Jesus Christ. Lysa urges readers to “walk by faith” even when trusting God and others is difficult (2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 1:17).
One deeper insight Lysa shared is that some of her anxiety comes from fearing God may allow what frightens her. Her history of marital turmoil, divorce, legal challenges, and medical crises gives her message hard-won credibility. That experience lends weight to a perspective that goes beyond reflection to offer a Scripture-based spiritual battle plan.
Even before publication, Making Peace with What I Can’t Control resonated with early readers who recognized their urge to manage, fix, and control. “Fear-based control gripped my heart, and I had no clue,” one wrote; another cried because Lysa’s journey mirrored her own.
That is often true of Lysa’s books: her journey becomes a mirror, compass, and testimony to how God carried her through painful, uncertain seasons.
Lysa is still being shaped by the truths she teaches, learning to manage her emotions, resist controlling outcomes, and trust Christ, the Tree of Life. Her examples made me see how my experience has changed. I once acted as a guardian to people who neither wanted my help nor welcomed my interference, and some of those relationships ended. Now I have fewer stories of trying to prevent others’ life-changing mistakes.
Today, my anxiety is more often self-generated. While Lysa tried to carry others’ choices and outcomes, I tend to carry the pressure I place on myself. Throughout the book, she identifies these patterns and surrenders her need for control to God. Admitting that God is still working through “some disordered places inside” her heart, she reminds us that “we are all works in progress” who need the Savior’s sanctifying work. These struggles often surface in conflict when we feel disrespected, unheard, or misunderstood. Then we can ask God to regulate our thoughts, guard our hearts, and control our words.
Style and Technique
Lysa’s chapters often have a sermon-like rhythm, especially through anaphora, the repetition of openings for emphasis. She also uses alliteration and patterned phrasing, techniques I notice in Max Lucado and Louie Giglio. Each chapter ends with a summary, Scripture, prayer, and questions for journaling or group study. A QR code also links to videos showing how Lysa applied the lesson. The videos may feature Lysa or Dr. Joel Muddamalle, whose theological explanations add clarity and help readers address their own control issues.
What I value most is Lysa’s willingness to share honestly without sounding preachy or claiming mastery over relationships, conflict, or control. Reading her work feels like sitting beside her as she processes experiences through journaling, prayer, and counseling. Her humility, honesty, care, and gentle humor make her relatable—like a big sister in Christ sharing what God taught her in the valleys.
Though we long for calm and order, life rarely goes as planned. Lysa teaches readers to focus instead on what they do have control over: their thoughts, choices, behavior, and actions.
Her opening example is personal: someone she loved had struggled with addiction. Concerned, she checked the person’s location at 2 a.m., drove to a drive-thru, and found them there. I first hoped it was a false alarm. It wasn’t. A breathalyzer confirmed the person had driven drunk, suggesting this was not Lysa’s first intervention. She cried all the way home.
Lysa realized that feeling responsible for this person had pulled her from home at night and put her in front of a drunk driver who did not want her help. From there, she asks how we also try to control people, circumstances, and outcomes that are not ours to manage. Wanting safety and stability, we plan and prepare to avoid being caught off guard. Fear had been “driving the bus,” Lysa says. She believed that if she did not intervene, no one would, but learned that we cannot change people or choose for them. We can help carry their burdens only when they accept our help.
Life requires living with uncertainty. Lysa acknowledges that God sometimes permits pain we cannot understand. Using Genesis 3, she shows how Adam and Eve tried to solve their own problems and reminds us that apart from God, we are often the problem, not the solution. Only He sees ahead and knows what is best. She argues that control often grows from fear and deception. Satan tempts us toward the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil rather than the Tree of Life, Jesus Christ. Lysa urges readers to “walk by faith” even when trusting God and others is difficult (2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 1:17).
One deeper insight Lysa shared is that some of her anxiety comes from fearing God may allow what frightens her. Her history of marital turmoil, divorce, legal challenges, and medical crises gives her message hard-won credibility. That experience lends weight to a perspective that goes beyond reflection to offer a Scripture-based spiritual battle plan.
Even before publication, Making Peace with What I Can’t Control resonated with early readers who recognized their urge to manage, fix, and control. “Fear-based control gripped my heart, and I had no clue,” one wrote; another cried because Lysa’s journey mirrored her own.
That is often true of Lysa’s books: her journey becomes a mirror, compass, and testimony to how God carried her through painful, uncertain seasons.
Lysa is still being shaped by the truths she teaches, learning to manage her emotions, resist controlling outcomes, and trust Christ, the Tree of Life. Her examples made me see how my experience has changed. I once acted as a guardian to people who neither wanted my help nor welcomed my interference, and some of those relationships ended. Now I have fewer stories of trying to prevent others’ life-changing mistakes.
Today, my anxiety is more often self-generated. While Lysa tried to carry others’ choices and outcomes, I tend to carry the pressure I place on myself. Throughout the book, she identifies these patterns and surrenders her need for control to God. Admitting that God is still working through “some disordered places inside” her heart, she reminds us that “we are all works in progress” who need the Savior’s sanctifying work. These struggles often surface in conflict when we feel disrespected, unheard, or misunderstood. Then we can ask God to regulate our thoughts, guard our hearts, and control our words.
Style and Technique
Lysa’s chapters often have a sermon-like rhythm, especially through anaphora, the repetition of openings for emphasis. She also uses alliteration and patterned phrasing, techniques I notice in Max Lucado and Louie Giglio. Each chapter ends with a summary, Scripture, prayer, and questions for journaling or group study. A QR code also links to videos showing how Lysa applied the lesson. The videos may feature Lysa or Dr. Joel Muddamalle, whose theological explanations add clarity and help readers address their own control issues.
What I value most is Lysa’s willingness to share honestly without sounding preachy or claiming mastery over relationships, conflict, or control. Reading her work feels like sitting beside her as she processes experiences through journaling, prayer, and counseling. Her humility, honesty, care, and gentle humor make her relatable—like a big sister in Christ sharing what God taught her in the valleys.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lysa TerKeurst is coming out with a new book titled, Making Peace with What I Can’t Control – Find Relief from the Exhaustion of Overthinking, Trying to Fix Others, and Wanting to Figure It All Out. I so related to this book, since I am a recovering control freak, well a work in progress in Christ.
Each chapter she shares from situations she has faced, along with biblical application and several Scriptures to pray and ponder over to provide encouragement and help. She offers a QR code after each chapter that you can click on to take you for additional information and lessons on that chapter.
Here are some of my highlights from the book:
We want things to be good. We want things to be right. We want security, sanity, and a steadiness to life. But if this stability depends on us getting it right all the time and pretending everything is find, then that’s not true peace. That’s control.
God reminds us that we are like branches that cannot do anything if we separate from Him, the Life-giving vine: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me youc an do nothing.”John 15:5
The more we fight against letting God have control, the more we fight against the very thing we desperately want: what is truly best.
A heart that is seeking Him with questions is so much better than a heart that stays deceived.
Anything we place in the hands of our God will never, ever truly be gone. “Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being? declares the Lord. These are the ones I look on with favor; those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” Isaiah 66:2
Prevention is often what I try to accomplish with my control. Maybe for you it’s a different word. Maybe you are using variations of control because you want to protect, pretend, prepare, perfect, perform, or predict.
If He’s my Lord, I acknowledge that I’m safe to turn over to Him that which I cannot control.
Stepping in to save others could block them from seeking and feeling the need to turn to Jesus for themselves.
People who don’t think they are a part of the problem usually aren’t eager to put in the effort to help solve the problem.
If the other person is an adult, then they are not your responsibility to manage. You are, however, responsible to manage yourself.
The secret is remembering that staying calm is not an endorsement of their behavior. It’s an endorsement of your spiritual maturity and emotional health.
Being overly involved is a type of control, but so is avoiding someone and giving them the silent treatment, making passive-aggressive comments, or using overly harsh boundaries as punishment.
Obedience is my job. Outcome is His.
I can bring solutions without having to be the whole solution.
Don’t assume other people are motivated by feeling good, happy, and at peace…sometimes people have chaos inside them and they don’t feel good unless they stir up chaos around them.
Self-control means we can let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. Self-control means we can think through the consequences of our actions ahead of time and make better choices. Self-control means we get to put on display the life-giving fruit of the Spirit.
It is not my responsibility to try to manage another person’s thoughts and feelings.
So many more highlights I could share, so I highly recommend this book. It will help deal with controlling behavior, boundaries, and learning to truth in Jesus more and more as we deal with difficult circumstances. We were never meant to be in control!
Each chapter she shares from situations she has faced, along with biblical application and several Scriptures to pray and ponder over to provide encouragement and help. She offers a QR code after each chapter that you can click on to take you for additional information and lessons on that chapter.
Here are some of my highlights from the book:
We want things to be good. We want things to be right. We want security, sanity, and a steadiness to life. But if this stability depends on us getting it right all the time and pretending everything is find, then that’s not true peace. That’s control.
God reminds us that we are like branches that cannot do anything if we separate from Him, the Life-giving vine: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me youc an do nothing.”John 15:5
The more we fight against letting God have control, the more we fight against the very thing we desperately want: what is truly best.
A heart that is seeking Him with questions is so much better than a heart that stays deceived.
Anything we place in the hands of our God will never, ever truly be gone. “Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being? declares the Lord. These are the ones I look on with favor; those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” Isaiah 66:2
Prevention is often what I try to accomplish with my control. Maybe for you it’s a different word. Maybe you are using variations of control because you want to protect, pretend, prepare, perfect, perform, or predict.
If He’s my Lord, I acknowledge that I’m safe to turn over to Him that which I cannot control.
Stepping in to save others could block them from seeking and feeling the need to turn to Jesus for themselves.
People who don’t think they are a part of the problem usually aren’t eager to put in the effort to help solve the problem.
If the other person is an adult, then they are not your responsibility to manage. You are, however, responsible to manage yourself.
The secret is remembering that staying calm is not an endorsement of their behavior. It’s an endorsement of your spiritual maturity and emotional health.
Being overly involved is a type of control, but so is avoiding someone and giving them the silent treatment, making passive-aggressive comments, or using overly harsh boundaries as punishment.
Obedience is my job. Outcome is His.
I can bring solutions without having to be the whole solution.
Don’t assume other people are motivated by feeling good, happy, and at peace…sometimes people have chaos inside them and they don’t feel good unless they stir up chaos around them.
Self-control means we can let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. Self-control means we can think through the consequences of our actions ahead of time and make better choices. Self-control means we get to put on display the life-giving fruit of the Spirit.
It is not my responsibility to try to manage another person’s thoughts and feelings.
So many more highlights I could share, so I highly recommend this book. It will help deal with controlling behavior, boundaries, and learning to truth in Jesus more and more as we deal with difficult circumstances. We were never meant to be in control!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
To be honest, when I first picked up this book I thought it would be primarily something my wife would enjoy, which was true. She enjoyed the book, but so did I.
Look, we’ve all been there. Lying awake in the middle of the night with thoughts running rampant as we rehearse future scenarios either in hopes of fixing them or to ensure those whom we care most about are as safe and protected as possible.
We lie to ourselves by saying we are not controlling the people in our lives. We tell ourselves we are simply being responsible, or that we care, or that we are just trying to protect people. The problem is, we rarely help people as much as we had hoped and become more exhausted than we had imagined.
Lysa TerKeurst’s latest book, Making Peace with What I Can’t Control, addresses this exhausting struggle. Through her characteristic vulnerability and biblical insights, TerKeurst invites us to re-examine the fear behind trying to micromanage every aspect of life, to identify its deeper source, and to truly let go.
This book is filled with compassion and provides biblical wisdom on the reason why so many people cling to control when they feel fearful, anxious, or uncertain. The author digs into her own experiences with life’s heartbreaks, betrayals, and illnesses, revealing how someone with even the best intentions can use control as a coping strategy. Each chapter helps us to identify the underlying causes of our need for control and to establish clear separation between what is our responsibility and what belongs to others and to God. TerKeurst gives a framework to live life alongside the people you can’t control without losing your own emotional and spiritual wholeness. Along the way, she also shares some very practical, ready-to-go scripts for changing the panic-induced internal conversations into honest confessions.
For me, the distinction she made between responsibility and control was incredibly practical. It’s easy to confuse just trying to help out with actually playing an unnecessary role of control. TerKeurst is very good at identifying the cost to our mental and emotional health which results from micromanaging the lives of others.
I appreciated the summaries found at the end of each chapter that walk us through not just the concepts but the specific takeaways. They also included Scriptural references and a helpful prayer as we apply the chapter’s concepts to our real lives. The use of “This Chapter at a Glance” makes it very simple to integrate what you’ve learned.
If you have read other TerKeurst titles, then, some aspects of this book might feel familiar and similar to what has been addressed in recent writings. Still, Making Peace with What I Can’t Control remains a timely reminder that true peace lies not in shaping the uncontrollable but in willingly surrendering those things into the divine care of the Almighty.
For anyone feeling the weariness that comes with juggling every bit of the world around you, holding it all together, rushing to “save” others, and obsessively anticipating what the future may hold, this would be a great title to add to your reading list.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
I was given a review copy from NetGalley and Nelson Books in exchange for my honest review.
Look, we’ve all been there. Lying awake in the middle of the night with thoughts running rampant as we rehearse future scenarios either in hopes of fixing them or to ensure those whom we care most about are as safe and protected as possible.
We lie to ourselves by saying we are not controlling the people in our lives. We tell ourselves we are simply being responsible, or that we care, or that we are just trying to protect people. The problem is, we rarely help people as much as we had hoped and become more exhausted than we had imagined.
Lysa TerKeurst’s latest book, Making Peace with What I Can’t Control, addresses this exhausting struggle. Through her characteristic vulnerability and biblical insights, TerKeurst invites us to re-examine the fear behind trying to micromanage every aspect of life, to identify its deeper source, and to truly let go.
This book is filled with compassion and provides biblical wisdom on the reason why so many people cling to control when they feel fearful, anxious, or uncertain. The author digs into her own experiences with life’s heartbreaks, betrayals, and illnesses, revealing how someone with even the best intentions can use control as a coping strategy. Each chapter helps us to identify the underlying causes of our need for control and to establish clear separation between what is our responsibility and what belongs to others and to God. TerKeurst gives a framework to live life alongside the people you can’t control without losing your own emotional and spiritual wholeness. Along the way, she also shares some very practical, ready-to-go scripts for changing the panic-induced internal conversations into honest confessions.
For me, the distinction she made between responsibility and control was incredibly practical. It’s easy to confuse just trying to help out with actually playing an unnecessary role of control. TerKeurst is very good at identifying the cost to our mental and emotional health which results from micromanaging the lives of others.
I appreciated the summaries found at the end of each chapter that walk us through not just the concepts but the specific takeaways. They also included Scriptural references and a helpful prayer as we apply the chapter’s concepts to our real lives. The use of “This Chapter at a Glance” makes it very simple to integrate what you’ve learned.
If you have read other TerKeurst titles, then, some aspects of this book might feel familiar and similar to what has been addressed in recent writings. Still, Making Peace with What I Can’t Control remains a timely reminder that true peace lies not in shaping the uncontrollable but in willingly surrendering those things into the divine care of the Almighty.
For anyone feeling the weariness that comes with juggling every bit of the world around you, holding it all together, rushing to “save” others, and obsessively anticipating what the future may hold, this would be a great title to add to your reading list.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
I was given a review copy from NetGalley and Nelson Books in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Grab a tissue BOX, a pen, highlighter, tabs, your Bible, and notebook! Lysa TerKeurst's books are always a must read and this one is even better than the last with wisdom that helps readers find real peace in the midst of this very broken world. I've never wanted to read a book word for word alongside my loved ones more!
In Making Peace With What I Can't Control, Lysa puts into words what I have struggled with for years now: anxiety arises when you want to control life- even for good and beautiful reasons. God never designed us to be our own saviors, after all, He provided the only hope in Jesus. But are we just supposed to let life fall apart around us? Control by itself is not sin, but one must ask themselves, "what do I aim to control?" Myself, my thoughts, and responses or other people? Self-control glorifies God; the other kind often leads to heartbreak, anger, and burnout.
Throughout the book, Lysa teaches us to recognize our own behaviors and how to let other people make their own choices. She introduces the 6 P's of control- some I had never even thought of as control!- and how to develop the emotional maturity necessary to "stop co-signing chaos" in others' lives. Lysa never shys away from biblical Truth, gently helping us understand that real suffering is when we take our eyes off God, not the pressure we feel believing we control and are responsible for all of life. It's only by giving everything to the Lord that we can experience deep peace. Decay occurs. Disaster will strike. Our hope is not in getting our way every single time, but in the Almighty Lord who loves us enough to die for us. Our hope is heaven with Him, not earth without him.
Each chapter ends with relevant verses, reflection questions, and a prayer to center your mind and heart on Truth. What's new is the QR code leading readers to additional videos which further expand upon the topic! Just scan and watch! I know I will come back to this book time and time again as I work through the stages of letting control go and accepting that the God of the universe really does care for me and who I care about too. The journaling questions from chapter 6 really helped my mind process through and heart accept the reality of situations I didn't think I could ever mentally or emotionally let go of- or didn't even know I was trying to control! I am so thankful for this book!
A few of my favorite quotes:
"I'm surviving my life, but sometimes I wonder if I'm even enjoying my life."
"... if I couldn't find safety with God then I wouldn't be able to find safety by counting on anyone else. The only one I could truly count on was me."
"So what is within my ability to control? My choices. My actions. My reactions. My attitude. Those are my responsibility."
"Control is fear disguised as strength."
"I'm afraid to let others have the power to choose. And I'm afraid God might use his power in a way I would never choose."
"A fool is one who disconnects their actions from the consequences that will follow."
Thank you to Lysa TerKeurst, Nelson Books, and NetGalley for this ARC!
In Making Peace With What I Can't Control, Lysa puts into words what I have struggled with for years now: anxiety arises when you want to control life- even for good and beautiful reasons. God never designed us to be our own saviors, after all, He provided the only hope in Jesus. But are we just supposed to let life fall apart around us? Control by itself is not sin, but one must ask themselves, "what do I aim to control?" Myself, my thoughts, and responses or other people? Self-control glorifies God; the other kind often leads to heartbreak, anger, and burnout.
Throughout the book, Lysa teaches us to recognize our own behaviors and how to let other people make their own choices. She introduces the 6 P's of control- some I had never even thought of as control!- and how to develop the emotional maturity necessary to "stop co-signing chaos" in others' lives. Lysa never shys away from biblical Truth, gently helping us understand that real suffering is when we take our eyes off God, not the pressure we feel believing we control and are responsible for all of life. It's only by giving everything to the Lord that we can experience deep peace. Decay occurs. Disaster will strike. Our hope is not in getting our way every single time, but in the Almighty Lord who loves us enough to die for us. Our hope is heaven with Him, not earth without him.
Each chapter ends with relevant verses, reflection questions, and a prayer to center your mind and heart on Truth. What's new is the QR code leading readers to additional videos which further expand upon the topic! Just scan and watch! I know I will come back to this book time and time again as I work through the stages of letting control go and accepting that the God of the universe really does care for me and who I care about too. The journaling questions from chapter 6 really helped my mind process through and heart accept the reality of situations I didn't think I could ever mentally or emotionally let go of- or didn't even know I was trying to control! I am so thankful for this book!
A few of my favorite quotes:
"I'm surviving my life, but sometimes I wonder if I'm even enjoying my life."
"... if I couldn't find safety with God then I wouldn't be able to find safety by counting on anyone else. The only one I could truly count on was me."
"So what is within my ability to control? My choices. My actions. My reactions. My attitude. Those are my responsibility."
"Control is fear disguised as strength."
"I'm afraid to let others have the power to choose. And I'm afraid God might use his power in a way I would never choose."
"A fool is one who disconnects their actions from the consequences that will follow."
Thank you to Lysa TerKeurst, Nelson Books, and NetGalley for this ARC!
September 16, 2026
Lysa TerKeurst offers a compassionate, practical message for those who find themselves burdened by matters which are completely beyond their control. We might see loved ones making choices which will not only bring trouble to themselves, but also to others around them. In another case, perhaps it’s a medical diagnosis, revealing a sickness with no available cure. For many in this tumultuous age, they worry as political and cultural powers seem to be sending society off an existential cliff. No matter how much hang-wringing, pleading, or intervening is done, those who desire certain types of control can find themselves frustrated beyond measure. Peace is lost and years are spent with anxiety and concern. Lysa has felt similar tensions in her life, and offers wise counsel in how to manage it.
If readers enjoyed The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, they may find that in many ways Making Peace with What I Can’t Control is an improvement. Rather than offering a position based in Stoicism, TerKeurst examines the issue of control through the lens of the Bible. What does God’s Word have to say about the issues we face every day? How can we take our hands off of frustrating situations which seemingly need our management? Lysa repeatedly illuminates scripture passages which speak to these concerns.
Not only is God capable of handling that which worries us, but he invites us to cast our cares upon him (I Peter 5:7). This is not always an easy task, and in some cases has to be done repeatedly. We may have to grieve and give up dreams which we had held for certain relationships, knowing things could be different if our loved one would make healthy choices. Lysa does not readily advocate a type of cancel culture, but acknowledges that in some relationships, we might have to make peace with less-than-ideal situations. As we experience that pain of disappointment, we can turn to the One who can comfort us like no other. When we do this, we are freed not only from the burden of carrying that which is not ours to carry, but we are also liberated to fully pursue the path which the Lord has for us (Matt. 11:28-30). We are able to grow into emotionally and spiritually stronger followers of Christ and serve him in a way that is not codependent on the choices of others.
Over the years I have not always agreed with Lysa on every theological matter. However, Making Peace with What I Can’t Control offers a biblical, Christ-focused treatise which will be helpful for many. If your worries for a loved one keep you up at night, I encourage you to read Lysa TerKeurst’s message and apply it. Read and re-read the scripture passages she presents. Ask the Lord for his help. The God of all comfort is waiting to offer peace in the midst of the storms of life (II Cor 1:3-4). As we release our controlling tendencies to him, we can witness his work in us and in those for whom we hold such care.
If readers enjoyed The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, they may find that in many ways Making Peace with What I Can’t Control is an improvement. Rather than offering a position based in Stoicism, TerKeurst examines the issue of control through the lens of the Bible. What does God’s Word have to say about the issues we face every day? How can we take our hands off of frustrating situations which seemingly need our management? Lysa repeatedly illuminates scripture passages which speak to these concerns.
Not only is God capable of handling that which worries us, but he invites us to cast our cares upon him (I Peter 5:7). This is not always an easy task, and in some cases has to be done repeatedly. We may have to grieve and give up dreams which we had held for certain relationships, knowing things could be different if our loved one would make healthy choices. Lysa does not readily advocate a type of cancel culture, but acknowledges that in some relationships, we might have to make peace with less-than-ideal situations. As we experience that pain of disappointment, we can turn to the One who can comfort us like no other. When we do this, we are freed not only from the burden of carrying that which is not ours to carry, but we are also liberated to fully pursue the path which the Lord has for us (Matt. 11:28-30). We are able to grow into emotionally and spiritually stronger followers of Christ and serve him in a way that is not codependent on the choices of others.
Over the years I have not always agreed with Lysa on every theological matter. However, Making Peace with What I Can’t Control offers a biblical, Christ-focused treatise which will be helpful for many. If your worries for a loved one keep you up at night, I encourage you to read Lysa TerKeurst’s message and apply it. Read and re-read the scripture passages she presents. Ask the Lord for his help. The God of all comfort is waiting to offer peace in the midst of the storms of life (II Cor 1:3-4). As we release our controlling tendencies to him, we can witness his work in us and in those for whom we hold such care.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Making Peace with What I Can’t Control by Lysa TerKeurst was a thoughtful and helpful read overall. The book does a very good job of helping readers identify patterns of control in their lives, recognize anxiety and overthinking, and learn to surrender these things to the LORD. I especially appreciated the practical side of the book — journalling through fears, reflective questions, reminders about healthy boundaries, and the included prayers throughout the chapters.
There are also many encouraging lines that stayed with me, such as: “God doesn’t need my help; He wants my obedience,” and “I either trust in my own efforts or I trust in God. This is the rhythm of recovery from control: repentance and trust.” The book also contains a large section of Bible verses readers can turn to, so it is clearly written from a Christian perspective and intended to encourage believers toward trust in God.
Personally, one of my struggles with the book was that it often reads more like a self-help or therapeutic-style book mixed with Christian faith and encouragement rather than a deeply doctrinal or theological work. There is a strong emphasis on emotions, personal healing, self-reflection, and practical coping tools. Readers who prefer deeper doctrinal exposition or a more Scripture-centered teaching style may not connect as much with this approach.
There are also many personal stories throughout the book. Some examples are very relatable and helpful, though at times the storytelling can feel longer than necessary or could have been handled more directly. Still, the stories do help illustrate the themes of surrender, fear, trust, and control in practical ways.
Leaving those concerns aside, I still found the book beneficial and well written. Even non-believers could likely find useful insights about control, anxiety, and relationships. For Christians, the strongest parts of the book are the reminders to trust God rather than ourselves and to surrender our lives into His hands. At the same time, I do think Scripture calls us to surrender not only the things we cannot control, but ultimately everything to God.
Overall, I’d personally rate this around 3.5 stars because I’m generally not a big fan of Christian self-help style books. However, since Goodreads doesn’t allow half stars and I do think this is better than a 3-star read, I’m giving it 4 stars. In the end, it is a good reminder that the surrender God invites us into comes with the assurance that what we willingly place into His hands, He is faithful to care for according to His will.
There are also many encouraging lines that stayed with me, such as: “God doesn’t need my help; He wants my obedience,” and “I either trust in my own efforts or I trust in God. This is the rhythm of recovery from control: repentance and trust.” The book also contains a large section of Bible verses readers can turn to, so it is clearly written from a Christian perspective and intended to encourage believers toward trust in God.
Personally, one of my struggles with the book was that it often reads more like a self-help or therapeutic-style book mixed with Christian faith and encouragement rather than a deeply doctrinal or theological work. There is a strong emphasis on emotions, personal healing, self-reflection, and practical coping tools. Readers who prefer deeper doctrinal exposition or a more Scripture-centered teaching style may not connect as much with this approach.
There are also many personal stories throughout the book. Some examples are very relatable and helpful, though at times the storytelling can feel longer than necessary or could have been handled more directly. Still, the stories do help illustrate the themes of surrender, fear, trust, and control in practical ways.
Leaving those concerns aside, I still found the book beneficial and well written. Even non-believers could likely find useful insights about control, anxiety, and relationships. For Christians, the strongest parts of the book are the reminders to trust God rather than ourselves and to surrender our lives into His hands. At the same time, I do think Scripture calls us to surrender not only the things we cannot control, but ultimately everything to God.
Overall, I’d personally rate this around 3.5 stars because I’m generally not a big fan of Christian self-help style books. However, since Goodreads doesn’t allow half stars and I do think this is better than a 3-star read, I’m giving it 4 stars. In the end, it is a good reminder that the surrender God invites us into comes with the assurance that what we willingly place into His hands, He is faithful to care for according to His will.
August 15, 2026
This is a book for anyone who reaches for control as a coping mechanism. If you read that and thought, “Oh, I don’t have that issue,” let me politely challenge that conclusion. Instead, allow this book to take you on a journey deeply rooted in Biblical Scripture, learning what it means to rely on God and release to Him what was never ours to control.
All of us face people and circumstances that cause us to wish for better outcomes. We get caught in “if only” thought loops, convinced others just can’t see things as clearly as we can, or perhaps believing we can’t fully rely on God to do far more than our limited selves could achieve.
If you’re a person of prayer, you’ve most certainly experienced prayers that seem unanswered or aren’t answered according to our preferred timeline. Lysa describes this as “God’s mystery bumping into my need for reassurance.” When we face that tension with raw honesty, it begs the question: Is this really about control, or is it fear?
One of the most unique aspects of this book comes at the end of each chapter, where a QR code directs you to a personal video with Lysa, each 10 minutes or less. She brings the chapter to life with practical application, creating a connection that feels as though she is walking alongside you as you turn the pages.
Lysa offers practical tools for navigating feelings of powerlessness, reframing our responses in truth, setting boundaries, and recognizing what is not ours to carry for another person.
Ultimately, she teaches the distinction between surrender and stewardship. Surrender is trusting God to do what only He can do, while stewardship is faithfully tending to what He has entrusted to us. I don’t simply release my burdens to God; I allow Him to “reassign” me to where I can contribute. Surrender doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means trusting God with what is beyond me while faithfully stewarding what He has placed within my hands.
I give this 5⭐️.
Follow @JBirdReads for more reads 📚⭐️
#ChristianNonfiction #ChristianBookstagram #ChristianBooks
All of us face people and circumstances that cause us to wish for better outcomes. We get caught in “if only” thought loops, convinced others just can’t see things as clearly as we can, or perhaps believing we can’t fully rely on God to do far more than our limited selves could achieve.
If you’re a person of prayer, you’ve most certainly experienced prayers that seem unanswered or aren’t answered according to our preferred timeline. Lysa describes this as “God’s mystery bumping into my need for reassurance.” When we face that tension with raw honesty, it begs the question: Is this really about control, or is it fear?
One of the most unique aspects of this book comes at the end of each chapter, where a QR code directs you to a personal video with Lysa, each 10 minutes or less. She brings the chapter to life with practical application, creating a connection that feels as though she is walking alongside you as you turn the pages.
Lysa offers practical tools for navigating feelings of powerlessness, reframing our responses in truth, setting boundaries, and recognizing what is not ours to carry for another person.
Ultimately, she teaches the distinction between surrender and stewardship. Surrender is trusting God to do what only He can do, while stewardship is faithfully tending to what He has entrusted to us. I don’t simply release my burdens to God; I allow Him to “reassign” me to where I can contribute. Surrender doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means trusting God with what is beyond me while faithfully stewarding what He has placed within my hands.
I give this 5⭐️.
Follow @JBirdReads for more reads 📚⭐️
#ChristianNonfiction #ChristianBookstagram #ChristianBooks
May 31, 2026
I’ve always appreciated Lysa TerKeurst’s writing style, and this book reminded me why. She has a way of taking difficult topics and making them approachable through personal stories, biblical truth, and practical encouragement. Her writing is easy to read, relatable, and filled with compassion.
The book started very strong for me. The premise of learning to make peace with things we can’t control is something many people struggle with, and I was excited to see where Lysa would take the topic. However, as the book progressed, I felt the focus became much more centered on dealing with difficult or destructive people, those making harmful choices, refusing help, or creating chaos in relationships.
While those sections will undoubtedly resonate with readers navigating situations involving addiction, unhealthy relationships, or loved ones who won’t listen to wise counsel, I found myself wishing the message had remained more broadly focused. When I picked up this book, I was hoping for more discussion about surrendering control over circumstances in general—things like work situations, family concerns, unexpected life changes, and the many outcomes we simply cannot manage no matter how hard we try.
That said, there is still a great deal of wisdom here. Lysa does an excellent job pointing readers back to God, challenging fear-driven control, and reminding us that we were never meant to carry burdens that belong to Him. Her vulnerability and honesty make the book engaging, and her biblical foundation remains strong throughout.
If you’re struggling with a difficult person in your life or finding yourself constantly trying to fix someone else’s choices, this book will likely be especially meaningful. I simply wish the scope had been a little broader to address the many other forms of control we wrestle with in everyday life.
Thank you to Nelson Books and NetGalley for this advanced copy.
The book started very strong for me. The premise of learning to make peace with things we can’t control is something many people struggle with, and I was excited to see where Lysa would take the topic. However, as the book progressed, I felt the focus became much more centered on dealing with difficult or destructive people, those making harmful choices, refusing help, or creating chaos in relationships.
While those sections will undoubtedly resonate with readers navigating situations involving addiction, unhealthy relationships, or loved ones who won’t listen to wise counsel, I found myself wishing the message had remained more broadly focused. When I picked up this book, I was hoping for more discussion about surrendering control over circumstances in general—things like work situations, family concerns, unexpected life changes, and the many outcomes we simply cannot manage no matter how hard we try.
That said, there is still a great deal of wisdom here. Lysa does an excellent job pointing readers back to God, challenging fear-driven control, and reminding us that we were never meant to carry burdens that belong to Him. Her vulnerability and honesty make the book engaging, and her biblical foundation remains strong throughout.
If you’re struggling with a difficult person in your life or finding yourself constantly trying to fix someone else’s choices, this book will likely be especially meaningful. I simply wish the scope had been a little broader to address the many other forms of control we wrestle with in everyday life.
Thank you to Nelson Books and NetGalley for this advanced copy.
May 31, 2026
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
You know those books that come into your life at exactly the right moment—books that feel like a gift from God, placed in your hands when you need them most? Making Peace with What You Can’t Control was that book for me.
The past several months have been a bit tumultuous, and Lysa’s words spoke directly to my heart. This book reminded me that true peace doesn’t come from trying to control every outcome or fix every problem. Peace comes from trusting God, even when circumstances feel uncertain. Like Lysa shares throughout the book, what we often believe is the “right move” can sometimes be our attempt to take control rather than surrendering the situation to God.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was how much Scripture was woven throughout each chapter. Lysa doesn’t simply share her experiences—she grounds them firmly in God’s Word, providing encouragement and truth for readers who may be facing their own struggles. I also loved her reminder that God’s gifts and evidence of His presence are all around us if we are willing to open our eyes and see them, much like the beautiful illustration of the earrings shared in the book.
What made this book especially impactful was Lysa’s honesty. She has walked through incredibly difficult seasons and openly admits that she still wrestles with the desire to control, fix, and figure everything out. That vulnerability made her message all the more powerful. God’s ways are not our ways, and His plans are always better than anything we could orchestrate on our own.
Thank you, Lysa, for writing this book. Reading it felt like sitting down with a trusted friend over a cup of coffee, sharing life’s hard truths, and leaving with a renewed sense of hope. It was exactly the comforting hug my heart needed.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
You know those books that come into your life at exactly the right moment—books that feel like a gift from God, placed in your hands when you need them most? Making Peace with What You Can’t Control was that book for me.
The past several months have been a bit tumultuous, and Lysa’s words spoke directly to my heart. This book reminded me that true peace doesn’t come from trying to control every outcome or fix every problem. Peace comes from trusting God, even when circumstances feel uncertain. Like Lysa shares throughout the book, what we often believe is the “right move” can sometimes be our attempt to take control rather than surrendering the situation to God.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was how much Scripture was woven throughout each chapter. Lysa doesn’t simply share her experiences—she grounds them firmly in God’s Word, providing encouragement and truth for readers who may be facing their own struggles. I also loved her reminder that God’s gifts and evidence of His presence are all around us if we are willing to open our eyes and see them, much like the beautiful illustration of the earrings shared in the book.
What made this book especially impactful was Lysa’s honesty. She has walked through incredibly difficult seasons and openly admits that she still wrestles with the desire to control, fix, and figure everything out. That vulnerability made her message all the more powerful. God’s ways are not our ways, and His plans are always better than anything we could orchestrate on our own.
Thank you, Lysa, for writing this book. Reading it felt like sitting down with a trusted friend over a cup of coffee, sharing life’s hard truths, and leaving with a renewed sense of hope. It was exactly the comforting hug my heart needed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Nelson Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
I have read almost every book Lysa TerKeurst has written, and she is an author who consistently ranks very high for me. Her books have a way of challenging my thinking and giving me something to carry with me long after I finish reading. Unfortunately, Making Peace with What I Can't Control just didn't have that same impact on me.
The message is certainly an important one. Lysa addresses the exhausting tendency we can have to try to control people, circumstances, and outcomes because we're afraid of what might happen if we don't. She encourages readers to recognize the fears behind our need for control and to learn the difference between healthy responsibility and trying to manage things that were never ours to manage in the first place. There are some very honest questions here about trusting God when He doesn't seem to be changing the people or circumstances we desperately want Him to change.
For me, though, I finished the book without that feeling I often have with Lysa's books—the feeling that something shifted in my thinking or that I walked away with a particular truth that I couldn't stop thinking about. It was good, and there were certainly things I appreciated, but overall, it was just okay for me.
And I think it's important to acknowledge that sometimes a book's impact has as much to do with where we are in life when we read it as it does with the book itself. Someone else may read this at exactly the right time and find it incredibly meaningful and life-changing.
I'm still a huge fan of Lysa TerKeurst and will absolutely continue reading her books. This one just didn't resonate with me in the same way her others have.
I have read almost every book Lysa TerKeurst has written, and she is an author who consistently ranks very high for me. Her books have a way of challenging my thinking and giving me something to carry with me long after I finish reading. Unfortunately, Making Peace with What I Can't Control just didn't have that same impact on me.
The message is certainly an important one. Lysa addresses the exhausting tendency we can have to try to control people, circumstances, and outcomes because we're afraid of what might happen if we don't. She encourages readers to recognize the fears behind our need for control and to learn the difference between healthy responsibility and trying to manage things that were never ours to manage in the first place. There are some very honest questions here about trusting God when He doesn't seem to be changing the people or circumstances we desperately want Him to change.
For me, though, I finished the book without that feeling I often have with Lysa's books—the feeling that something shifted in my thinking or that I walked away with a particular truth that I couldn't stop thinking about. It was good, and there were certainly things I appreciated, but overall, it was just okay for me.
And I think it's important to acknowledge that sometimes a book's impact has as much to do with where we are in life when we read it as it does with the book itself. Someone else may read this at exactly the right time and find it incredibly meaningful and life-changing.
I'm still a huge fan of Lysa TerKeurst and will absolutely continue reading her books. This one just didn't resonate with me in the same way her others have.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I went into this one expecting a broader discussion on fear, anxiety, and our desire for control, so I was surprised when its focus narrowed to our attempts to control other people, particularly in difficult relationships. While that wasn't quite the book I was looking for, I can definitely see how this message would be exactly what some readers need.
The writing is warm, relatable, and easy to read. The author shares plenty of personal stories that help illustrate the main points, and the book felt very practical. I especially loved the chapter-at-a-glance section at the end of each chapter, which included a summary, key Bible verses, journal questions, a prayer, and even a QR code linking to a companion video. These extras made it easy to pause and reflect, and set this up well for group study.
Overall, this felt more like Christian self-help than a deeply theological study, but its central message was a timely reminder: we are called to trust God with our circumstances and remember that each person is responsible for their own choices.
I'd recommend this to Christians who are walking through difficult relationships or wrestling with the urge to control outcomes. Even though it wasn't exactly what I expected, it was an encouraging read with some helpful reminders.
Many thanks to Nelson Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advance review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The writing is warm, relatable, and easy to read. The author shares plenty of personal stories that help illustrate the main points, and the book felt very practical. I especially loved the chapter-at-a-glance section at the end of each chapter, which included a summary, key Bible verses, journal questions, a prayer, and even a QR code linking to a companion video. These extras made it easy to pause and reflect, and set this up well for group study.
Overall, this felt more like Christian self-help than a deeply theological study, but its central message was a timely reminder: we are called to trust God with our circumstances and remember that each person is responsible for their own choices.
I'd recommend this to Christians who are walking through difficult relationships or wrestling with the urge to control outcomes. Even though it wasn't exactly what I expected, it was an encouraging read with some helpful reminders.
Many thanks to Nelson Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advance review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Making Peace With What I Can't Control is another great book by Lysa Terkeurst. The book does an incredible job at highlighting the areas in our lives that we try to control, and the "whys" behind our behaviors. Lysa weaves in many personal stories and insights she has gained over the years in her own journeys and also gives lots of practical applications at the end of each chapter for further growth: journaling through fears, reflective questions, reminders on how to have healthy boundaries, prayers, scripture, and more. She even has a QR code at the end of each chapter that takes you too additional resources. Lysa writes with a truth that is firmly grounded in God's word. She gives the reader encouragement and hope and reminds us that God's gifts and His presence are always with us, no matter what adversity we are facing. He is Faithful!
Some of my favorite quotes include:
"Control is fear disguised as strength."
"I'm surviving my life, but sometimes I wonder if I'm even enjoying my life."
"A fool is one who disconnects their actions from the consequences that will follow.
I highly recommend this book to anyone as it is filled with lots of tangible and practical applications to navigate difficult relationships and heartbreaks. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson books for the advanced review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Some of my favorite quotes include:
"Control is fear disguised as strength."
"I'm surviving my life, but sometimes I wonder if I'm even enjoying my life."
"A fool is one who disconnects their actions from the consequences that will follow.
I highly recommend this book to anyone as it is filled with lots of tangible and practical applications to navigate difficult relationships and heartbreaks. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson books for the advanced review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✨there is more highlighted in this book than not ✨
📚 Lysa is the Queen of saying what needs to be said, especially when it’s hard, but she’s going to hold your hand while she does it. Lysa has this unmatched way of sharing her hard moments and allowing her readers the space to reflect and get honest with themselves. She’s never judging and always has an understanding stance that is mixed with the mentor role, she’s going to pull you toward who you’re meant to be one chapter and realization at a time. I found myself highlighting sentences left and right, I shared a story from Lysa while I was with family on vacation, and I sent a text with her prayer visualization. Lysa weaves in such meaningful and applicable tips in this book, there’s something in here for everyone.
🌟 If you find that you think it all depends on you and you’ve got to take matters into your own hands, then I welcome you to pre-order this one. You won’t regret it.
📖 Making Peace With What I Can’t Control - Lysa TerKeurst
If you want more trustworthy reviews be sure to give me a follow!
#BookReview #BookRecommendation #TBR #MakingPeacewithWhatICantControl #LysaTerKeurst
|| Christian, Religion & Spirituality Book, Self-Help ||
📚 Lysa is the Queen of saying what needs to be said, especially when it’s hard, but she’s going to hold your hand while she does it. Lysa has this unmatched way of sharing her hard moments and allowing her readers the space to reflect and get honest with themselves. She’s never judging and always has an understanding stance that is mixed with the mentor role, she’s going to pull you toward who you’re meant to be one chapter and realization at a time. I found myself highlighting sentences left and right, I shared a story from Lysa while I was with family on vacation, and I sent a text with her prayer visualization. Lysa weaves in such meaningful and applicable tips in this book, there’s something in here for everyone.
🌟 If you find that you think it all depends on you and you’ve got to take matters into your own hands, then I welcome you to pre-order this one. You won’t regret it.
📖 Making Peace With What I Can’t Control - Lysa TerKeurst
If you want more trustworthy reviews be sure to give me a follow!
#BookReview #BookRecommendation #TBR #MakingPeacewithWhatICantControl #LysaTerKeurst
|| Christian, Religion & Spirituality Book, Self-Help ||
September 8, 2026
5+ stars
Completed: Sep. 07/26
Format: digital advance reader copy from Net Galley
Book #74 of 2026: NON-FICTION
Straight out of the gate: I *highly* recommend this book! 5+ stars!!! It’s not just about control by any means. It’s so much more. Read it if you are a controller, fixer, over-thinker, perfectionist, pleaser, etc. I think I highlighted half the book! As it says in the subtitle, it IS exhausting. And it is overwhelming and absolutely draining. *Cue image of panting hamster on a very wobbly wheel….*
I think anyone can benefit from this book, especially if you have a difficult person - or people - in your life that cause stress and heartache for you. With the season I am in, this book is especially helpful. I can only work on myself rather than be consumed by loved ones who are choosing to hurt themselves, me, and/or others. Only God can heal. I cannot carry it OR marinate in it. I can love them BUT also hand it over to our Creator.
I have pre-ordered a physical copy. There are QR codes throughout the physical and digital copies that connect you to personal videos via the author’s website.
Lysa TerKeurst is an author that feels like a friend you’re sharing hearts with over coffee. I’ve read her before. I’m not much for non-fiction reading outside of the Bible. HOWEVER, she’s one of a few NF authors that I really enjoy. She gives a lot of Scriptural backup, is very practical, and does not infuse nonsense and false teaching into her writing.
This is only one of MANY highlights of this book. It was so hard to choose one to add into my review:
“I’ve overstrategized, overplanned, and overmanaged to the point where I talk about my exhaustion way more than I talk about the goodness of my God.” (Loc. 1928)
Finding peace is what we need as we struggle with that which we can’t control. Only the Lord is the Author of Peace.
* My thanks to Thomas Nelson and to Net Galley for an advance digital copy for voluntary review. My rating and review are solely my own opinion and in my own words.
#netgalley #thomasnelson #lysaterkeurst
Completed: Sep. 07/26
Format: digital advance reader copy from Net Galley
Book #74 of 2026: NON-FICTION
Straight out of the gate: I *highly* recommend this book! 5+ stars!!! It’s not just about control by any means. It’s so much more. Read it if you are a controller, fixer, over-thinker, perfectionist, pleaser, etc. I think I highlighted half the book! As it says in the subtitle, it IS exhausting. And it is overwhelming and absolutely draining. *Cue image of panting hamster on a very wobbly wheel….*
I think anyone can benefit from this book, especially if you have a difficult person - or people - in your life that cause stress and heartache for you. With the season I am in, this book is especially helpful. I can only work on myself rather than be consumed by loved ones who are choosing to hurt themselves, me, and/or others. Only God can heal. I cannot carry it OR marinate in it. I can love them BUT also hand it over to our Creator.
I have pre-ordered a physical copy. There are QR codes throughout the physical and digital copies that connect you to personal videos via the author’s website.
Lysa TerKeurst is an author that feels like a friend you’re sharing hearts with over coffee. I’ve read her before. I’m not much for non-fiction reading outside of the Bible. HOWEVER, she’s one of a few NF authors that I really enjoy. She gives a lot of Scriptural backup, is very practical, and does not infuse nonsense and false teaching into her writing.
This is only one of MANY highlights of this book. It was so hard to choose one to add into my review:
“I’ve overstrategized, overplanned, and overmanaged to the point where I talk about my exhaustion way more than I talk about the goodness of my God.” (Loc. 1928)
Finding peace is what we need as we struggle with that which we can’t control. Only the Lord is the Author of Peace.
* My thanks to Thomas Nelson and to Net Galley for an advance digital copy for voluntary review. My rating and review are solely my own opinion and in my own words.
#netgalley #thomasnelson #lysaterkeurst
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved Making Peace with What I Can't Control. Honestly, I never would've described myself as someone who struggles with control. If you asked the people in my life, they'd probably tell you I'm super chill and just roll with whatever comes my way.
I'd actually been planning to read a different book by Lysa TerKeurst, but when I saw she was promoting this new one, I really felt the Holy Spirit nudging me to read it instead. So I put the other book back on my shelf and picked this one up.
I'm so glad I listened. I finished it on vacation and then immediately started over and read it again.
The number of times I felt like Lysa was reading my mind was unreal. She exposed areas of control I didn't even realize were there!
If you're someone who constantly worries and feels responsible for everyone else's problems, I can't recommend this book enough. It challenged me and pointed me back to trusting God with the things I was never meant to control.
I'd actually been planning to read a different book by Lysa TerKeurst, but when I saw she was promoting this new one, I really felt the Holy Spirit nudging me to read it instead. So I put the other book back on my shelf and picked this one up.
I'm so glad I listened. I finished it on vacation and then immediately started over and read it again.
The number of times I felt like Lysa was reading my mind was unreal. She exposed areas of control I didn't even realize were there!
If you're someone who constantly worries and feels responsible for everyone else's problems, I can't recommend this book enough. It challenged me and pointed me back to trusting God with the things I was never meant to control.
September 19, 2026
When I saw the title of this book, I immediately thought of what a great Bible study it would make. This is such a relatable topic! But what was so wonderful about this book was that I didn't need a group to do a Bible study. The book is presented in such a way that what I experienced was a private Bible study between Lysa and myself. At the end of each chapter was a review and questions which allowed me to reflect and also scriptures to look up, reread, and jot comments about inside my Bible. Especially helpful were the QR codes at the end of each chapter which brought me to a video of Lysa offering additional content and encouragement. Lysa's book is the whole experience! She is gentle and kind in her teachings. Many times, I found her putting into words feelings I've experienced but never quite knew how to express. Loved it!
Many thanks to Nelson Books for the opportunity to read an arc of Making Peace with What I Can't Control in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to Nelson Books for the opportunity to read an arc of Making Peace with What I Can't Control in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2026
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
This book came to my attention at just the right time. So much of my life right now seems like uncontrollable absolute chaos. So of course I picked it up!
Lysa’s books are hit or miss for me. This one I enjoyed. Lysa takes readers through how to handle situations where we think we’re doing something loving, but it’s only enabling sin and not actually changing anything.
Lysa does a great job incorporating her story into the theme of the book. Her openness about her struggles and her healing have been so crucial in her legitimacy in continuing to write books. AND she backs up what she says with Scripture. I feel much more at peace about some situations I’m going through at the moment, and part of that is due to reading through this book and truly giving over to God what I can’t control.
This book came to my attention at just the right time. So much of my life right now seems like uncontrollable absolute chaos. So of course I picked it up!
Lysa’s books are hit or miss for me. This one I enjoyed. Lysa takes readers through how to handle situations where we think we’re doing something loving, but it’s only enabling sin and not actually changing anything.
Lysa does a great job incorporating her story into the theme of the book. Her openness about her struggles and her healing have been so crucial in her legitimacy in continuing to write books. AND she backs up what she says with Scripture. I feel much more at peace about some situations I’m going through at the moment, and part of that is due to reading through this book and truly giving over to God what I can’t control.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*Thank you NetGalley and Nelson Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own*
3.5 ⭐️
“Control is fear disguised as strength.” This suggestion was very thought provoking for me and makes me reflect on my need to control.
I was excited about the topic of this book as I certainly have a propensity for being controlling, and though it was full of reflections and scripture that was helpful, there was no personal “aha” moment for me that is really going to make me adjust going forward. I do hope to be more intentional and aware after studying the topic, but that’s the biggest takeaway.
I did absolutely LOVE the QR codes at the end of each chapter linking to the companion videos. All Bible studies should do this!
3.5 ⭐️
“Control is fear disguised as strength.” This suggestion was very thought provoking for me and makes me reflect on my need to control.
I was excited about the topic of this book as I certainly have a propensity for being controlling, and though it was full of reflections and scripture that was helpful, there was no personal “aha” moment for me that is really going to make me adjust going forward. I do hope to be more intentional and aware after studying the topic, but that’s the biggest takeaway.
I did absolutely LOVE the QR codes at the end of each chapter linking to the companion videos. All Bible studies should do this!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Lysa's books have always had a profound impact on my life, and this one is no exception. In this book, she helps the reader identify where they are trying to take control instead of allowing others to do what is their responsibility, or instead of surrendering to God for what only He can do.
Lysa writes by sharing personal experiences and relatable stories, and teaching Scripture. I liked the videos from the QR codes at the end of each chapter, which reinforced a key idea from each chapter. That was unique and added to the teachings.
I received an ARC copy from the publisher.
Lysa writes by sharing personal experiences and relatable stories, and teaching Scripture. I liked the videos from the QR codes at the end of each chapter, which reinforced a key idea from each chapter. That was unique and added to the teachings.
I received an ARC copy from the publisher.
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