Resisting or Releasing?

"Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it." Ann Landers

"Life's trials are not easy, but in God's will, each has a purpose." Warren Wiersbe

"Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:22

My friend asked for prayer this morning for her adult son.  Concern for his health caused her to reach out for prayer. I think as a parent, some of our worst fears stem from our concern for the well-being of our children, no matter how young or how old they are.  Most of our anxieties and mental anguish are brought on by resisting what is going on in our lives, or in the lives of our family.  I know, because I struggle with this myself.  I tend to spend most of my energy resisting what is happening in my life as if I can do anything to change what is going on, instead of releasing my fears into the palm of my Saviour's Hand. But God knows what He is doing. He is refining us into His image just like diamonds are formed from coal.  (Did you know that natural diamonds form from carbon, and are only made under immense heat and pressure?  It takes friction for diamonds to brilliantly shine.)

Henry Ward Beecher once said, "We are always in the forge or on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things."

Releasing my inabilities to change my circumstances, releasing my anxieties, worries and fears and, instead, claim the promises of God in His Word, I am guaranteed a peace that will pass all understanding, no matter what I, my children or my family are facing.

Knowing that God has a plan and a purpose for my life and for my children's lives', (Jeremiah 29:11) and claiming Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

I can stop resisting and release my burdens onto the One Who has promised to bear them for me.

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7

Even before time began...

     our Creator knew exactly where we would be...

         and He knew exactly what we would be going through...

            Stop resisting, just release your worries into His hands...

                But that's just me!

"When you are troubled and worried and sick at heart, and your plans are upset and your world falls apart,

remember God's ready and waiting to share, the burden you find much too heavy to bear,

So, with faith, let go, and let God lead your way,

into a brighter and less troubled day." Helen Steiner Rice