Most of us long for life to make sense. We want to know where things are headed — that our plans will work out and that we’re walking in the right direction. But following Jesus doesn’t always come with explanations. When Jesus truly leads you, His direction often feels less predictable. He’s not just leading you toward a destination — He’s shaping your heart to trust Him along the way.
When Christ Is in Your Life But Not on the Throne
Many believers have invited Jesus into their lives. We pray, read Scripture, and want to please Him. Yet there’s a difference between having Christ in your life and having Him on the throne of your life.
Cru’s Spirit-Filled Life illustration paints this clearly. Picture your life as a circle with a throne inside — the seat of control. For many, Jesus is in the circle, but self remains on the throne. We make decisions, hold tightly to understanding, and want God to fit our plans. We want God to bless our decisions.
But the Christ-centered life begins when we step down and let Jesus take His rightful place. Paul said it simply, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).
When Christ sits on the throne, peace begins to replace striving — even when we can’t see the full picture.
Spiritual Breathing: The Rhythm of Dependence
Cru describes this daily surrender as spiritual breathing. Just as our lungs need oxygen, our spirits need to exhale and inhale regularly.
- Exhale: Confess — “Lord, I’ve taken control again.”
- Inhale: Receive — “Holy Spirit, fill me. Lead me again.”
1 John 1:9 promises that when we confess, God forgives and cleanses us. Ephesians 5:18 calls us to “be filled with the Spirit” — not once, but continually.
This rhythm isn’t about guilt; it’s about relationship. Every confession is an open door to breathe in grace and renewal. God is quick to forgive; let us be quick to receive it.
Giving Up the Right for Life to Make Sense
Here’s where true surrender begins: stepping off the throne means releasing your right to make sense of your own life. In Cru’s illustration, the circumstances of life align as Christ takes His rightful place of Lordship — that’s how heaven sees it. But from our view on earth, it may feel less like order and more like chaos.
- He called Abraham to leave home “without knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8).
- He led Joseph through betrayal, slavery, and prison before bringing him into purpose (Genesis 37:28 & 39:20).
- He let Lazarus die without telling him the plan to resurrect him (John 11:14).
- Even the disciples were sent into storms just to discover His power in the waves (Mark 4:35-41).
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. – Isaiah 55:8-9
When you let Christ take the lead, you exchange the need to understand for the freedom to trust. You give up control and gain companionship. Though it can feel risky—since God seldom explains the path ahead—it becomes the very place where faith grows and God is pleased.
Following God into the Unknown
God’s leading is often a mystery, not a map. Like Israel following the cloud in the wilderness, we move when His presence moves and rest when He rests.
He may ask you to pause when others run or to step forward when others stay behind. Your story may not look like anyone else’s — even other Christians’ — because He’s writing something uniquely yours.
2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “We walk by faith, not by sight.” Faith doesn’t mean walking blindly; it means walking trustingly. The Spirit gives just enough light for the next step — and that’s enough, because He walks with you.
The Adventure of Faith
When you step off the throne, life may stop making sense — but it starts to feel like an adventure.
The Spirit-filled life is rarely predictable, but it’s always purposeful. God isn’t calling you to safety; He’s calling you to partnership. He’s looking for those who will trust Him even when the path feels unclear. Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.”
If you try to make sense of everything before you follow, you’ll limit your ability to go where He’s leading. Faith begins where certainty ends. And the good news is: you’re not stepping into the unknown alone. The same Spirit who calls you also walks beside you.
So breathe out your need to understand, and breathe in His presence. Step off the throne, lift your eyes, and follow Him into the unknown — where the real adventure with God begins.
“When we step off the throne, life may stop making sense —
but that’s when the adventure with God truly begins.”
If this call to step off the throne stirs something in you, my book Abundant Living will help you take the next step. It’s an invitation to listen for God’s voice and follow where He leads—discovering that the life Jesus promised isn’t just obedient, but overflowing with joy and adventure.