Let Go And Let God . . . Stop, Look & Listen

By: Nancy Abiera

 

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Romans 12:1-2

Life is like a traffic light. When the light is red, you need to stop. When you’re stopped, the people on the other side start moving because they have a green signal to move forward, and ultimately the time always arrives when you also get the green signal to move ahead on your unique path.

Unfortunately, most people try to go ahead on their own without following the rules. No wonder accidents happen. We must follow the rules for our own safety and protection. Note that Surrender or Submission is like seeking the safety and protection of God. It is not “giving up”, but rather, it is giving to God’s power to work in us, beside us, and all around us. It is the action of being in God’s glorious presence where there are no impossibilities. I sing a song that goes like this: “In the glory realm, that’s where everything is possible.” This is exactly what Jesus said in Matthew 19:26, “But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.'”

I have placed signs on the walls in the bedroom and bathroom that say: “Pray More, . . Worry Less. . . Rest a lot.” This is my short reminder to let go and let God. As we surrender, this brings us peace, power, health to our well-being, and creates more opportunities for new experiences for our growth and maturity. When people try to control and not let go, it is like driving while focused solely on the back as it does not allow you to focus on the front, which is the present. Our past disappointments create patterns for more future disappointments.

Here are some practical tips that work.

1. STOP WORRYING. . . Instead, watch and pray as we hear what God says through Paul in Philippians 4:6-7: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Instead of worrying, pray, worship and praise God in all things and circumstances.

2. LOOK AND FIX EYES ON JESUS. . . “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, (Romans 12:1a) As we focus on Jesus, He provides answers to the problems. He helps us to become overcomers and victorious. However, when we focus on the problems, we worry more and problems get magnified and multiplied causing us to be overwhelmed.

3. LISTEN TO THE HOLY SPIRIT. . . “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. (John 14:26). It is wise to wait on the Lord and listen to the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, the unholy spirit, the devil, will make us fools and deceive us.

4. REST IN THE FATHER’S HAND. Saint Augustine writes in his Confessions, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” This prevents us from burning out as we get fired up with God as we rest and trust Him. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”. Matthew 6:34 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

Ephesians 3:20 Always choose “On A Bright Side” moving further and farther “On A Brightest Side”. I love you readers with the love of the Lord yet the Lord loves you the most. You are blessed. Smile and be a blessing.