By: Kacie Starr Long
I have a feeling that this may be one of those articles where over time I am going to need to come back and re-read. Perhaps it may be the same way with you too, so maybe we can save time and bookmark this article for quick reference when the Holy Spirit prods our spirit.
Recently, I have been presented with two choices and both decisions --- like most decisions, have pros and cons.
My first option is my safe option. This choice is comfortable, stable, and is more or less my status quo. It's a blessed status quo. It's peaceful, reliable......but yet, the status quo. The next option is one that promises to be filled with "exceedingly wonderful blessings" but also tremendous times of hard work and moments of heartache. Yet, God has promised that the exceeding blessings will always overwhelm the moments of heartache.
During the pandemic, My husband and I opted to pursue the "exceeding blessings/hard work" option but as that option came into realization, my husband grew uncomfortable and we decided to halt the process and no longer continue pursuing that option.
I resorted back to the safe, status quo option, relatively happy and content --- but lately God has stirred my heart to pursue that second option once again.
As I spoke to the Lord about my excitement (and concerns about my husband potentially not being fully on board), the Lord told me that by pursuing this choice, it would materialize by His Spirit and that I didn't need to worry about how or when my husband would come on board in support. God told me to simply rest, and to trust Him.
In other words, God told me to take my hands off the situation and to let Him do the work.
Has God ever told you, "Hands off?"
Have you ever been worried about your future and wanted to take control of the reigns, and instead, God says, "Hands off. I have this. I love you and I will take care of you."
Have you ever been concerned about the actions of your child and you wanted to interfere and make things right?
As a wife, there have been times where I have wanted to....ahem.... browbeat my husband into submission by heavily applying pressure to get him to do what I want. This is embarrassing to admit, (and my husband is not one to easily browbeat) But, perhaps you can understand what I mean. Yet, in this instance, God has specifically told me, "Hands off." He is going to do it, and He will touch my husband's heart by His spirit (and not by my dramatic acts and emotional manipulation).
We can draw strength from Mary, the mother of Jesus who serves as a great example of a woman who kept her paws off a delicate and life-changing situation. When visited by the angel Gabriel, who announces the news that she would conceive a child through the Holy Spirit; the Bible says that Mary was "confused and disturbed." (Luke 1:29)
Perhaps you are in the midst of a situation where you don't understand or know how God is going to make things right, and you are tempted to intervene and take matters into your hands.
Here was Mary, a virgin, engaged to be married; and she is now told that she will be impregnated by the Holy Spirit. What will her fiance think of her being pregnant by the Holy Spirit? What will her parents think? And what would the community say about her walking around town with a swollen, pregnant belly with a child that was not technically Joseph's?
Nevertheless, Mary didn't try to take matters into her own hands. She didn't try to send out a press release to explain her circumstance or try to ease the concerns of others to protect her reputation. She trusted God and kept her paws off of managing her future. Despite being initially "confused and disturbed" she comes to herself, and her response to Gabriel is, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true." (Luke 1:38)
What a great reminder for us all to trust God with our lives! We may not know every detail however, there are some situations where we must say, "Jesus, you take the wheel!" And we let Him steer and navigate the course of our lives.
So, whatever situation you find yourself in this season --- whether it's concerned about your marriage, the success of your business, children, or health; may you rest in knowing that you don't have to be in control. God is well capable of taking care of you, your family, and all things that matter to you. There are some areas that you just aren't capable of controlling and that is okay. Hands off. God loves you and is for you.
After all, if God said it, He will do it!
This article was published in Jewel Warrior, a Christian women's online devotional. Please subscribe to receive encouraging devotionals each day from women from around the world.
Hi, my name is Kacie Starr Long. I am an author, speaker and I love to use my voice to point people to Jesus. When I'm not writing, I'm either working out at Orange Theory Fitness or sewing. God delivered me from food addiction and I have a sewing ministry for women who have been previously incarcerated and at-risk teens. I am the proud wife of Alfred T. Long, Sr and together we lead a non-profit that serves prisoners and their families. Connect with me at www.InspiredOverflow.com and via my YouTube page for more daily Christian teachings and encouragement.
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