Trusting the Process: How Letting Go Opens the Door to Growth

After we’ve done all we can, we surrender the rest into God’s hands.

Life has a way of giving us moments that test our patience, challenge our faith, and stretch our hearts. Whether it’s stepping into a new season, launching a big dream, or walking with uncertainty, the common thread is this: we can prepare, plan, and pour ourselves into the process, but eventually we reach a point where control is out of our hands. That’s when trusting the process steps in—trust in ourselves, in the lessons we’ve learned, and most importantly, in God.

Moving Our Daughter Into Her Dorm—A Lesson in Trust

This month, we flew 1,600 miles to move our daughter into her dorm room. As parents, it was one of those bittersweet milestones—full of pride, anticipation, and yes, a lump in the throat.

She’s stepping into the responsibility, adventure, and advancement of her education—a path that will ultimately lead her to becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy. She’s ready for this new chapter, and deep down, we know it. But that doesn’t mean we don’t worry. We miss her, we check in often, and sometimes our hearts ache with the space she has left behind at home.

Yet in this transition, we are reminded of something greater: trust.

Trusting What We’ve Taught

We trust that we’ve poured into her everything we could—about life, faith, resilience, and relationships. We trust that when challenges come, she’ll remember those lessons. We trust that she’ll ask for help when she needs it. And we trust that she’ll be surrounded by people who will support and encourage her.

That same truth applies to each of us. No matter what endeavor we are walking into—a new career, a business venture, a relationship, or even a season of healing—we are called to do the best we can to prepare. Then, at some point, we have to release control and lean into trust.

Releasing the Outcome

Trusting God doesn’t mean we stop preparing, praying, or showing up. It means we release the outcome. It means we lay down the illusion that we can control every detail, every response, and every twist in the road.

Releasing the outcome isn’t about apathy or passivity—it’s about alignment. We still do the work. We still study, practice, and plan. We still put in the hours of effort and the consistency required to build strong foundations. But after we’ve done all we can, we surrender the rest into God’s hands.

That surrender is where peace begins. Worry thrives in the gaps of uncertainty, but trust thrives in the presence of faith. When we choose to release the outcome, we silence the “what ifs” and anchor ourselves in the promise that God is faithful. We may not know how He will weave the pieces together, but we can rest assured that He is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28).

Think about it: the times we’ve clung tightly to control are often the times we’ve felt the most anxious. But the moments we’ve released the outcome are the moments we’ve found unexpected blessings, clarity, and growth. Releasing the outcome doesn’t weaken us—it frees us. It makes space for God to move in ways greater than we could have planned.

Trusting the Process in Everyday Life

Trusting the process is about believing that growth takes time and that God is present in every season. When challenges arise—and they will—we remember this is just one step in a much bigger picture. Each day brings fresh strength. Each setback teaches resilience. Each season of waiting builds character.

When we choose to trust the process, we give ourselves permission to grow without fear, to walk with confidence, and to believe that God’s timing is always perfect.

Trust and the Power of Positive Emotions

When we live in trust, we also open the door to positive emotions—gratitude, hope, love, compassion, and awe. These aren’t just “feel-good” moments; they are powerful states that strengthen our minds and spirits.

When I speak to audiences, I share how positive emotions help us become empowered leaders. They expand our capacity to think clearly, connect deeply, and persevere through challenges. Trust allows those emotions to flourish because we’re no longer fixated on fear or control—we’re grounded in faith.

In leadership, in parenting, in business, or in life, the ability to stay rooted in trust and fueled by positive emotions changes everything. It shifts us from surviving to thriving. It transforms setbacks into stepping stones. And it empowers us to show up with clarity, strength, and influence.

A Closing Reflection

Where in your life are you holding on too tightly to the outcome? What would it look like to release it, to trust God fully, and to practice trusting the process in your own journey?

Take a deep breath today. Do the work, prepare with diligence, and then place the results in God’s hands. Trust is not weakness—it’s the greatest strength you can carry into your future.