So I had the idea of going a little deeper this week; getting a little more personal. God’s been doing a lot of work in me over the past month and a half and I sooner rather than later reached the point to do as my title says: let go and let God. And as I closed one chapter in my life, it really made me think of how hard it is sometimes to really let go and let God.

I think we use the term all too much and don’t really ‘let go.’ But it sounds good right? For me, I think this is the first time in my life where I’ve really, truly, fully, decided to let go and let God. I have for a long time too said those words but still maintained control, even if just in a small capacity. There was always a fear that if I let it go, it won’t come back. Or I’ve done so much to get it, I can’t let it go. But did you hear what I just said? “I’ve done so much to get it.” Wow. The conviction literally came as I wrote those words. We do for ourselves and expect God to bless or maintain it, when really He has something far greater for us down the road. Yet we have a hard time letting go of things we’ve built for ourselves because there is some level of safety and security in having power and authority over our lives. But as of late, I’d like to believe that I’m much safer and secured in the hands of the Lord.

As I pondered this subject, the phrase that continuously ran across my mind was, “if it’s meant for you, it will come back.” And ya know, I can’t help but think, “well, what if it doesn’t?” “What will I do if it doesn’t?” “How will I feel if it doesn’t?” And the more I think about it, the more I have to tell myself not to think about it. Why? Because it’s no longer under my control. The “what if’s” lead to doubt, fear, and for me personally, it causes me to put someone else’s feelings before my own, emptying myself with an expectation of receiving but not getting much in return. I’d be holding on to something that could change in an instant and that has the potential to hurt me. I understand now though, more than ever, what it means to let go, and if I’m honest, it’s tough. I’ve been a people pleaser for most of my life and even knowing so, I still struggle with saying no or speaking up for myself. I have sought out acceptance and confirmation from others, giving people too much power and control over my life. And in that, it’s caused some real emotional and mental damage. There are habits that I have now that are so hard to break, but I realized the more I depend on myself the weaker I become. And so this week, is my public declaration that I am letting go and letting God.

As I stated, it isn’t easy--it’s really one of the hardest things that I’ve ever had to do. But knowing that God is calling me higher and wants to do more with me is all I need. There is a sense of empowerment that I have now that I didn’t have before. There’s a level of trust I have in God now that I didn’t have before. There is a level of freedom that I have now that lightens my heart and I am so excited to move forward. As I make this commitment, I say to myself that I don’t know what God has on the other side for me, but I am willing to walk with Him to find out. This is what faith really looks like. And I have never felt so proud of myself in my life. I know that God has a calling for my life and every desire He’s placed in my heart will be mine. It’s going to take some work and some time, but I’m no longer in a rush. His work is perfect. His timing is perfect. And I will wait for Him. I deserve nothing shy of His greatness and I will not settle for anything less.

So this week, I challenge you to check your inventory and ask yourself, “what do I need to ‘let go and let God?’ Is it your attitude? A bad relationship? A negative mindset? Poor money habits? Whatever it is, I challenge you to try it God’s way--He will never fail you. He is a God of repair and restoration. If it’s for you, then it will be yours. And whatever you have to go through to get it, whether good or bad, it’ll be worth it.

Until next time . . .

“This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust Him.” - Psalm 91:2 (NLT)

“Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.” - James 1:2-4 (AMP)

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)

“God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.” - Psalm 18:30 (NLT)

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” - Genesis 50:20 (NLT)