Letting Go

Isaiah 40:29 – He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (NIV)

Recently, my husband and I were at our local fast-food restaurant enjoying their one-dollar coffee and warm apple pie. At the next table, two ladies were having a conversation. I picked up the conversation where one said to the other, "You have to let go and slow down, it's not good for your health." Then, she went on to bombard her with a list of stuff that she herself needed to get done "because no one else can do it", to an eye roll from the other!

Is that you? Me?

No, not me. From a very young age, I was taught by my father to prioritize. I carried that into my personal, professional, and volunteer life. As young parents, we learned the art of division of labour within our family. As our family grew in years, responsibilities were transferred over to our children.

Friends, perhaps you have a lot on your plate. Perhaps, in your mind, you are responsible for a lot, and you fear that if you let go, everything will crumble and fall apart. When we aren't leaning on Jesus, our to-do lists can be overwhelming, especially when we feel that we must do it all.

When God created us, He made us for Himself. He created us to live in harmony with Him and to rely entirely on Him for our needs. He has jobs for us to do, but He wants us to do them with Him, for His glory, not for selfish gain. We have to let go and share responsibilities. We are not created to endure, control, and hold everything together — and when we strive to do these things, we will eventually break under pressure. When we think only of ourselves and what we will personally gain from striving to be in control, we drive helpful people away. We will stumble, we will fall, we will fail.

Friends, we don't have to do it all or do it alone. We are one body in Christ, each with our own God-given abilities, talents, and gifts. Let us collectively use our varying abilities, talents and gifts for His glory, not ours.

When you feel the need to be in control, call out to Jesus. When you feel that no one else can do it, call out to Jesus. When you feel like the world and all its expectations are crushing you, call out to Jesus. When you feel like you can't go on, call out to Jesus.

Prayer: Loving God, thank You for loving us enough not to let us continue walking a road of self-sufficiency that leaves us dry and maxed out. Lord, renew us today. Show us what to let go of. Show us where we are being prideful in our actions, and forgive us for not relying on You. Thank You for Your patience while You wait for us to rely on You. In the precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.