Hi! I’m Ali, and I’m a recovering control freak. For the most part, because that’s kept me out of trouble in the world. 

In The Salvation Army, we say, “We believe that there is only one God who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things…” But there have been many times in my life where my actions haven’t matched up with that statement—specifically in my prayer life. I became a Christian when I was 19 years old, but it wasn’t until I was 23 years old that I started including “Thy will be done” in my prayers. The need to be in control made my heart’s desire to be for my will to be done. In my sinful state, I was so desperate to be what only God is: completely sovereign. However, the Lord is gracious and abounding in mercy and I’ve learned recently that His will is so much better than mine. Looking back, His beautiful and perfect will encompasses my whole life in spite of the sinner I once was. 

I trust that God is in control. I can pinpoint moments where I’ve wasted so much breath in my prayers begging for things that weren’t God’s best for me. I’ve never been good at seeing the big picture, but I’m so thankful I know the God who is the Creator, Preserver and Governor of the whole story.

– Lt. Alison Hamilton, Raleigh, NC

How do I avoid feelings of FOMO, or fear of missing out, as a young Christian?

I’m guessing that the things you fear missing out on are the things you know that don’t sync with the Christian life. You aren’t doing them because you feel like they are wrong—but you don’t want to miss all the fun. 

You are right that there are things Christians should avoid. I know this is hard to believe, but the boundaries that are set for us by Scripture are for our own joy and well-being. Why does God restrict sex to marriage? Because sex outside of marriage means you give a critical piece of yourself to someone who probably isn’t going to be part of your life forever. It devalues you and it robs you. Understand how amazing you are and save yourself for the one who will commit to you for life. Why does the Bible tell us not to get drunk? For one thing, a drunk teenager is much more likely to do foolish, even life-threatening things. Not to mention opening the door to addiction. Keep your wits about you and be your best self. 

It is so hard to see this truth when you are young, but take it from me, an old lady who has lived a lot: God’s ways are always better and smarter than anyone else’s. Sacrifice the shiny pebble to get the diamond. It takes self-control, which is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-26), but if you keep your mind fixed on the right things (Philippians 4:8-9), the Holy Spirit will bring you through.

– Major Amy Reardon, San Diego, CA