It can be risky giving God control of your life. What might happen if you hand God the wheel? Will He do something reckless in our life? Dangerous? Disappointing?
Where will He take us?
I know. I’ve been there. I didn’t want to let go. I liked my stuff. I liked control. I liked the life I was trying to hold on to. I don’t know who I thought I was, or what I thought I was in control of, but I’m glad I keep being challenged to let go.
So how does it feel to let go of everything we thought we needed and wait on God? Can we really trust Him, all the time? What might happen if we pry our hands open and give back to God everything He has given to us, and let Him do whatever He wants with our life? Oh dear …
We might be called to a spiritual adventure we never even dreamed of.
He might show His power in our life in amazing ways.
We might find out we are the perfectly imperfect person for the job He has hand picked just for us.
As we step back, His glory might be more evident to everyone around us.
He might encourage us in ways we never imagined.
He might use our life’s journey as an opportunity for us to care for people around us.
He might use others’ gifts to answer our prayers and meet our needs.
He might draw others to Him as they see God’s powerful work in our life.
Our biggest dreams might pale in comparison to what God has in mind.
He might bring us greater opportunities to serve Him.
We might not live the life we planned, but will be greatly blessed {Matthew 5:1-11}
He might bring His people together to accomplish His work, which is infinitely more powerful than what we could ever do on our own.
He might challenge us through our circumstances to be more like Him.
Do you think it is worth the risk?
Join me every day at The Inspired Room for fun home adventures like painting tables blue to the more risky adventures of faith in my daily life behind the blog.
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ABSOLUTELY its worth the risk!
But as recent as 6-8 months ago I wouldn’t have been able to say that! But I did let it go. Years and years of pent up pain, hurt, anger, bitterness, all given to God. Now it wasn’t as easy as opening my hands and saying–here you are God, I do not want it any longer. It was a 3 year process with lots of prayer, counseling, friendship, encouragement, being corrected when I was wrong and some pharmaceutical help, But the feeling is indescribable, the weight being lifted off my shoulders, the fog being lifted from my eyes and most of all knowing without a doubt that God will bring me through anything at all as long as I trust and believe he can will. It is very worth the risk! I still have issues and always will. And will have issues of trust most likely the rest of my life but I know I can go to Him with anything, I have friends who will pray for me and with me. And they will also encourage me to let go of it and give it to God whatever it is I am struggling with!
lisa
It is a process, isn’t it Lisa? I’m glad you have good friends to encourage and pray for you along the way.
He’s led me to this place – where the “risk taking” is life-giving and I can *see* no other choice. I held on tightly to what I thought was best, though I knew He knew best. And now, moment-by-moment He’s showing me what He means…”less of you, my beloved, more of Me.”
You wrote such truth and I’m so glad for the way you wrote it!
Thank you Amy.
I’m starting to let go & give everything to God & His Will, again. I did that almost 8 years ago when I was doing Yahoo Personals – to find a mate. No responses for a few days and then I just said ‘OK GOD no more blind dates – if you want me to get married you’re gonna have to do it.’
It worked – I think God smiled & said finally she gets it. He sent a wonderful, caring man into my life and we have been married 7 years now. It is amazing what He will do if we only turn it all over to him!
Yes, “she finally gets it”…. I think God loves it when I finally “get it” and we can move on to new lessons. 😉 I’m so slow sometimes!
It is so worth the risk to live free of the bondage of our own control. I am still in the process of letting go completely but with each finger He peals away another piece of His glory is revealed. Blessings.
Such true words!!!! You bet it’s worth the risk…if only we could really put into words the feeling of His fullness when we persevere through our suffering and trust Him with all our hearts…. there is nothing on this earth that will provide that filling in our deep place and it is so satisfying….joy despite circumstance, a new definition of blessing 🙂
Thanks..
Always wonderful to remember it is best to let Him have the wheel, even if it does feel risky! He knows so much better than we do what is good for our lives. Even though again and again, I take the wheel and try to run things my own way. I wish relinquishing control was a whole lot easier for me to do.
He leads, I follow.
I enjoyed my visit to your lovely blog. Joined your blog frog community too. Big Hugs!!!
Welcome Katherine, I’m glad you are here!
I just finished reading In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day and it’s all about dreaming big and risking for God. I love that you’re a lion chaser, Melissa, and that I get to share this journey of faith with you!
I need to read that, Holley!! xo
I believe it is completely worth the risk! So why is it so hard to take the risk? I got all nervous just reading your words.
I got all nervous writing them 😉
Yes! Unequivocally, yes! What other choice do we really have? And the ability to say “yes” to Him depends completely on whether I actually believe His Words? Do I trust Him to do the very best for me? Do I trust Him to define “best?” In the end, it is the only path that brings us true fulfillment, true peace. It is what we were created for. What we see here is merely an illusion, a shadow of reality. When we allow Him to speak Truth to us, we have the courage to let go.
Exactly. Do we trust Him? It all comes down to that. Thank you!
Learning that my own control was really just an illusion, anyway, has forced me to really let God be the one who defines me.
Scary.
Scandelous.
Painful.
Humbling.
Breathtaking.
Surprising.
Hopeful.
Restful.
Joyful.
Exciting.
Every aspect is unexpected and I’m learning to enjoy the journey!
It is risky…but oh how much more risk my Savior took by giving His life for me.
This post came at the perfect time. I have recently given up the “fight” and let God have control over my life. I’m not truly excited about where He has me right now, but what an opportunity to practice contentment!
I did it…..many years ago and continue to give God the wheel…..and my life has been full of overwelming disappointment , grief and illness. But what choice do we have? as Peter said, “where else have I to go?” every day I look at a verse on my wall that says “the joy of the lord is my strength”. I do not feel strong and I do not feel joy but I say it out loud anyway.
I’m so sorry for your struggles. It is hard to understand life sometimes. God has different purposes than our own. Things don’t always turn out the way we want — many suffer in so many ways. Makes us yearn for Heaven where there will be no more pain, sorrow, or disappointment. Praying for new strength, joy and especially encouragement for you tonight. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Thank you for every risk you take, Melissa… Faith catches us when we leap.
Love your heart…
All’s grace,
Ann
Love you, Ann.
Oh man, Melissa. You are striking a deep chord in me through these questions. I will be marinating in them for quite sometime…
Thank you for this and for just being all around fantastical!
Well, I do love your word fantastical but mostly I think it describes you!! You always leave the sweetest comments.
Such a great post! And it strikes me right between the eyes! I am so stubborn and hold onto control so tightly. Even though I don’t really have it, I still try my hardest. And He continuously has to show me who is REALLY in control.
Thank you so much for reminding me yet again!
Bernice
Have you outgrown your pot?
I soooo agree – with all of it. The wheel. What exactly is “the wheel?” is it our control or our need to know the end of the story? I get excited about the thought of letting go. I make an attempt to let go and discover the wheel is sticky. I can’t get by with just being excited with the idea…I have to actually let it go. Yikes!! lol. But, I agree, it is so worth it!!! God in His faithfulness continues to be the Author and Finisher of my faith. I have to die to my concepts of how things should go and rediscover the pen is in His hand… He writes the chapters! I have found it best to wear steel toe shoes too so when I do my human-fear inspired kicking…it doesn’t hurt so much. ( : Tx so much for the inspiring posts all!!!
blessings,
Judy
Truth is, we couldn’t be in safer hands than His. He’s sooo great!!
That is so right, there is NO safer place! Many blessings to you!
Melissa, I have been struggling with this very issue. In my mind, I am saying I want to give control over to Him, but I think I am still holding on. Silly me! Thank you. And, I thank God for these words of encouragement.
Oh, I love this — and your challenge at the end, asking us if it is worth the risk! I so need the reminder that life without Him is the only risk! Thank you so much.
Blessings to you,
Jennifer
Thanks Jennifer!
[…] post is my own, Risky Business, where I talk about the risks and rewards of letting go of control in our life, and one is a […]
Thank you for the words that I needed at this time in my life. I’m 57 years old. Seven months ago my life was so comfortable and “safe”. Then my husband lost his job and everything changed. We are so thankful that he found a job in another city, but life is so uncertain now. Not what I had planned at this time in my life! Your words reminded me that I should not be the one planning. God has a perfect plan ahead for me. I need to open my heart and mind and be excited for what lies ahead. God will take me on a wonderful journey! Thanks for the encouragement. Blessings to you- Pam
I love this message. I’m praying to become more “risky.” I need it, I want it, and I know that God is waiting for me to pry my hands away and make more room for His will for me. It excites me, and is all the encouragement that I really need.
These words and their sentiment were breathtaking, so profoundly written. I am going to copy them down in a little notebook that I keep. Agree with so many of the comments above: I was just at the wheel of a car recently and was thinking that it was time to give so much up and turn it over to a higher power than myself. Is it serendipity that I somehow came across this tonight, I’m thinking not.
What a great post. I’ve been asking myself can I walk the walk or just talk the talk. It’s so easy to stay in our comfort zones where we know what is what. But God is so much bigger than that. If we could just catch a glimpse of what He really is and just hand over our very selves. Can you imagine how He might reveal Himself through us? I’m learning that it is a daily choice to submit. Not a one time committment that I once thought so many years ago.
Only by His grace,
Arianne
Thank you for reminding me to let go! I’m a type “A” that’s wound real tight, and I’m getting tired. I’ve been worried about getting our house sold by summers end (in this economy!) so that we can retire at years end. We’re not completely ready but we’re close. Reading your blog has reminded me to let go. I believe we have a loving and merciful God, who has kept us safe in spite of ourselves, He’ll take care of this too. I feel peaceful already! Have a blessed day, everyone.
Hugs,
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