Trying to Control God Undermines Real Faith - Constance Hastings

Constance Hastings, mental health counselor and author of The Trouble with Jesus: Considerations Before You Walk Away, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to challenge the false expectation that Jesus exists to fix our problems. Drawing from her clinical background and her personal experience with suffering, Constance explains why the human need for control drives anxiety and disillusionment—especially when God doesn’t meet our expectations. She points to the story of Lazarus to illustrate how faith often requires surrender rather than certainty, and how the love of God remains even when life doesn’t turn out as we hoped. This episode is especially helpful for those questioning God’s role in suffering, Christians wrestling with disappointment, and anyone walking with friends or family tempted to walk away from faith.Key takeaways from this episode:Control is a deeply human impulse. From infancy onward, we’re wired to manage our surroundings—but faith means releasing that control and trusting God's will instead of our plans.Jesus refuses to be a fixer. Constance unpacks the story of Lazarus to show how Jesus points to eternal life, not immediate solutions—and challenges the idea that God exists to solve our problems.Unanswered prayers don’t mean abandonment. The presence of suffering doesn’t negate God’s love; often, it’s where formation and deep trust begin.Important Links:Constance Hastings’ website and blogThe Trouble with Jesus: Considerations Before You Walk Away by Constance HastingsConstance Hastings is a licensed mental health counselor, ordained minister, and the author of The Trouble with Jesus: Considerations Before You Walk Away. Raised in a non-religious home but educated in Christian schools, Constance brings a unique blend of theological, psychological, and lived insight into the intersection of doubt, control, and discipleship. Through her writing and her counseling practice, she helps believers confront distorted expectations of God and rediscover the transformative call of Jesus.You Might Also Like:How to Walk with Others Through Grief and Loss - Stacy KnappFollow this show and Jake Doberenz’s writings at jakedoberenz.substack.com.Christianity Without Compromise is a part of the KFM Broadcasting network.Get full access to Smashing Idols: Stories & Reflections on Following Jesus at jakedoberenz.substack.com/subscribe