How to Lighten our Grip

Let me know.  I ask, text and email this phrase as my mind whirls with plans.  God created me with an organization gene.  I consider it one of my gifts.  But I’m learning I cannot plan and control everything.  Collaboration is necessary.  So I organize then ask others to ‘let me know’ their input, decisions and thoughts.  Here begins my struggle-the part out of my controlling, planning hands. But God is increasingly showing me to patiently lighten my grip.

We must not just please ourselves. 2 We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. 3 For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.”  4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.  ~Romans 15: 1b-5

I often believe my way is the best way.  I want things in my timing.  I ask God to help me follow Him according to His will, but deep down I really want life according to my will.  Reading these verses on a morning I originally had other plans, God let me know to patiently lighten my grip on control.

We had big plans. Then canceled them all.  I deeply know it’s what God wanted but I also don’t know why. My plan didn’t work and God’s plan is what’s important here, despite how I feel. What’s needed is the patience God gives (which I sometimes refuse to accept) and the encouragement He offers in the Scriptures to supply hope while I wait.[tweetthis]God’s plan is what is important, despite how we feel #faith[/tweetthis]trust & follow

“What next, where should I serve, how can I follow better?”  My questions to God are receiving His answer, “trust and follow me.”  This frustrates my planning, controlling nature.  It goes against my grain to be patient, not know the plan and release control.  But I must.  I cannot truly follow if I insist on my own way.  I cannot call myself His Follower if I only want my way.

So here I am.  Waiting and working on what I can do.  I attempt patience and dig into His Word.  I trust but am also frustrated by God’s plan.  I’m reminded to not just please myself.  I attempt to build others up as God builds me. Leaning into the hope and encouragement in God’s Word, I patiently wait, because as the apostle Paul reminds us this is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.[tweetthis]Lean into the hope and encouragement of His Word when we need to wait in life #ThyWillBeDone[/tweetthis]

Are you in a season of wondering what’s next like me?  Perhaps you also found encouragement in these verses.  If so, please let me know and we’ll encourage each other.  Leave a comment or join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter.  You may also find added encouragement in my Follower Bible Study.  Sign up here in the blue box and I’ll send it to you.

God’s word truly is the only encouragement needed as I work and wait for Him to let me know what’s next.  Let’s not miss what He has for us. Let’s simply lighten our grip and follow.

Linking up with Suzie Eller at #liveFree, Susan Mead at #DanceWithJesus, Dawn Klinge at #GraceandTruth and Kelly Smith at #FridayFive, Crystal Twaddell at #FreshMarketFriday. #CoffeeForYourHeart, Kelly Balarie at #RaRaLinkup and Crystal Storms at #IntentionalTuesday

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24 thoughts on “How to Lighten our Grip”

  1. Oh wow- this resonated so deeply within me! “Let me know!” I’ve been known to write this numerous times…in ONE email. And the planning- yes! My friends tease that I’m the “planner” of the group and leave things to me. And the fact that I’m organized has me planning all the important a that aren’t up to me, but up to God. This is a great inspiration- thank you for these gentle but needed reminders that we need to trust harder and feel more secured in that process! So glad I found you at the Thursday linkup!

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    • So happy to have found each other today, Nicole! As planners, we need to constantly check our plan against His and heed His over ours-a difficult process at least for me! Glad to have been helpful for you today and thanks for finding me and your thoughts!

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  2. Jill, I breathe in the prayer, “Your will be done, not mine,” like oxygen when I’m facing situations like you describe here. There is peace that comes in the waiting, but you’re right … obeying those soft whispers of “trust and follow me” is so hard sometimes! So glad I stopped by from Grace & Truth today.

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    • Thanks Lois! I agree, I love the song Thy Will for this very reason, it’s aobut Him and not me. Easier said than done, though! Thanks for your thoughts, let’s keep following!

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    • Yes, it’s all about lightening up my control in so many areas of life. But knowing God’s in control makes it a whole lot easier! Thanks for stopping by and your thoughts!

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  3. I have struggled a lot with this too. Planning and wanting control come very naturally to me, but I have been learning to let go and try to trust God’s plan even when it is not mine, knowing his way is better. I think this is key: “I cannot truly follow if I insist on my own way.”

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    • Thanks Lesley-it’s hard sometimes to be a follower when God gives us abilities to lead also. But following the One who knows best is always the best plan! Thanks for your thoughts!

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  4. Yes! I love to be in control. Crave it, really. So when I have to give it up to follow God, I really do struggle. Thank you for sharing your struggle. It helps me to wait and to work on letting go of control. We can do this hard thing!

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  5. Hey Jill, it’s my first time to your blog and my first time in Crystal’s linkup, and I was drawn to your post by the title of lightening our grip. I am in something of an uncertain season of life, so I can relate, but what is really on my mind–that God wants me to loosen my grip on–is my youngest son. He is 20 and making some premature and unwise decisions in my opinion, that may impact him negatively for the rest of his life. I am resisting resting in God’s control of this. I fear that if my son is making wrong choices, God will allow painful consequences to follow. I know those will teach my son, but it is so hard to release, what ultimately is not mine to hold.

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    • I understand your feelings of letting go of our children and their decisions-one of the most difficult parts of being a parent! But instilling them with God’s leading and praying for them is our role then trusting God with the outcome. Easier said than done! So glad you stopped by and left your thoughts-hope to see you again soon!

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  6. Hmmm yes I know I have used that line more than once… It’s been a struggle learning to relinquish control on lots of areas in my life. I have been leaning on that new song: Thy Will be Done (By Hilary Scott) because the message is so true and our pastor preached on the importance of people (not our plans!) and building them up from 1 Thess. this past weekend so your post was very timely for me. Happy to have found you through Grace and Truth link up ♥

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    • I love that song too, Heather! It is a struggle to let go of control and hand it to God in so many areas. I’m happy to have been of some assistance to you this week. Thanks for stopping by and your thoughts. Here’s to surrender to His will!

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  7. This completely spoke to me! I feel like I gave up what I was doing because God asked me to do it, and now I’m just sitting and waiting. I think to myself, why did He ask me to give up that part of my ministry? I was building His Kingdom. All I hear is that He has a new assignment for me. My time was up there. So I sit and wait and trust and follow. Amazing post!

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    • So glad this spoke to you, Brittany. Let’s keep seeking and trusting as we follow to see what’s next! Thanks for your thoughts and stopping by!

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    • Absolutely Linda! It’s one of the most personal elements of being His follower! Thanks for your thoughts-always a pleasure to have you stop by!

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  8. I’m so there. It can be easy to get frustrated with Gods plans when they don’t look like we think they should. But He has this way of reminding us to surrender, surrender again, and simply trust in Him.

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    • Love that Deanna-surrender, surrender again and simply trust! Yes, yes, yes! Thanks for stopping by and your wonderful thoughts!

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    • Patience is such a struggle for me too, Sarah! I like to think of it as growing closer to Him in those times I’m frustrated by my impatience! Thanks for your thoughts today!

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