Tags
circumstances, control, free will, God, life, partner, prayer, rest, sail, Sovereign, surrender, toy
Are You Tired of Empty Cliches?
What do we really mean when we spout off things like, “God is in control, God makes all things work together for good, or Let go and let God.”
God certainly is sovereign. He is the supreme king but to say or believe he controls all negates the fact that God gave us free will. And if God has complete control over every event, then he would have no need to alter bad situations to benefit those who follow Him. (Rom. 8:28).
So what does it mean to let go and let God?
Life isn’t easy. Many circumstances work against us to steal our peace and joy. These situations can wind us up in stress and anxiety.
Maybe you feel emotionally wound up by life circumstances. Maybe work has you overwhelmed. Maybe you are burdened by health issues. Maybe the loss of a loved one has you down.
God wants you to let go of them by bringing them to Him in prayer. This involves your whole being: body, soul, and spirit (1 Thess. 5:23, Ps. 46:10).
- Agree with God. Confess the emotion you are struggling with. Ask God to show you the truth about the situation.
- Acknowledge and receive forgiveness. Jesus died not so you could behave better, but so you could receive His righteousness. See yourself from the finished work of the cross: fully restored. This is an act of gratitude.
- Forgive others as God has forgiven you. This is a choice, not a feeling. Ask God to reveal your heart before Him. Then trust Him to show you any lies you have believed, and what, if any action you should take to reconcile.
- Relinquish the situation to the Lord. This involves acknowledging His sovereignty and trusting in His extravagant love for you. It doesn’t mean He’s giving you a free ticket to paradise
You were not created to be a wind-up toy but a sailboat.
He is inviting you to sail with Him. Spread your sails and let God be the wind beneath you. Surrender to His grace and mercy.
Let God come to you, work in you, and flow through you. He is inviting you to partner with Him in His authority and power. It’s why He sent us His Holy Spirit.
Where is He asking you to join Him at work so He is glorified?