Let It Go

I can sing every word to this song, but singing it and doing it are two completely different things.  One of the hardest things I have had to learn to do is let things go - everything - and give it to God.  You see, we know God can do anything, but we tend to only want Him to do what we want.

Have you ever been in a tough, uncomfortable situation and completely given it over to God - that no matter what happens, you are okay because you know it is God's will?

"Give your burdens to the Lord and He will take care of you."  Psalm 55:22

All Christians know to do this, but doing it is tricky.  You see, when you give it all to God, that means you have to completely let it go.  You shouldn't think about it anymore, worry about it, or concern yourself any longer.  Truly giving it to God means every time a negative thought or worry pops in your head, you simply say "I'm not worrying about this.  God has it and His will will be done".

The hardest part is when we have to accept that His will may be an uncomfortable situation.  For example, maybe you have been diagnosed with an illness or maybe you have a situation where you can't do something you used to be able to do.  Perhaps you are struggling in a relationship or a job.  Whatever it is, no exceptions, give it to God 100% and He will take care of you.  This doesn't mean He will remove it, it doesn't mean you won't be uncomfortable, but it means you need to get up everyday with joy in your heart and with a positive attitude because you know that your Father has got you.  And what a witness you will be when you are smiling through your situation and when you don't complain even though in the world's eyes you have every reason too!

Have a blessed week!

F2F - Fear to Faith

What do you do when your circumstances are unbearable?  What if you received a diagnosis that was life changing or even worse life threatening?  What if your spouse suddenly left you?  What if you suddenly lost your job?

"I trembled inside when I heard this; my lips quivered with fear. My legs gave way beneath me, and I shook in terror. I will wait quietly for the coming day when disaster will strike the people who invade us. Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights."  Habakkuk 3:16-19 (NLT)

The prophet Habakkuk found himself in a terrible situation that was out of his control and in the natural brought fear.  In the midst of his catastrophe, however, Habakkuk decided - made an on purpose choice - to turn to God and release his fear to Him.  This can actually be a very challenging thing for me.  To be honest, I have been struggling with this for a few weeks now.  We have a situation that has the potential to not end well.  However, truthfully, there is really nothing I can do about it.  And that is extremely hard for me as I tend to have a controlling personality.  I spend hours trying to figure out how to change it or fix it, but every time God speaks to me and tells me I can't.  It is truly out of my control.  And when I try to control it, I end up hurting myself by stressing, hurting my relationships by not being the loving wife, mother and friend I should be and hurting God because I am not giving it to Him.  Cast you care! 

When you find yourself in a situation like Habakkuk where everything around you seems to be falling apart, do what he did - rejoice in the Lord.  Remember that God wants only the best for you and if for some reason your problem does have a bad outcome, know that God has something better for you if you just put your trust in Him.  God loves you.  He never, ever leaves you or forsakes you.  So even in the midst of your circumstances, praise Him, thank Him and give Him your situation.  The Lord is your strength - stop turning to everyone else for the strength you need and look up!  God has got you - now and forever!

"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)