re·lin·quish
rəˈliNGkwiSH/
verb
1. voluntarily cease to keep or claim; give up.
Many months ago I prayed about what my next blog subject would be. I felt confident that I heard God correctly when he told me Relinquish. However anytime I sat down to write the words and thoughts wouldn't come. I realize that at the time, I knew only the meaning of relinquish. I haven't quite experienced how difficult it can be....
In the gospel of Mark, Jesus shares the cost of savings vs relinquishing your life.
“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 16:25 ESV
A year ago my...
- Life was under control
- Life was predictable
- Life was safe
I was grounded in my faith. I believed Gods word. I trusted Him, or so I thought...
Feeling content in my controlled, predictable and safe life, I was caught off guard when God pointed my husband and I down an unexpected path. A path that was uncontrolled, full of unknowns and unpredictability.
I had many reasons why we should not go down this new path. In my flesh I could very easily justify why it would be better to stay in my predictable, controlled, safe path of life. I wanted to save 'MY' life.
As I contemplated the cost of relinquishing the path I thought my life should take and stepping on the path God laid before us, Scripture hidden in my heart was on repeat:
- “For whoever would save his life will lose it..." Matthew 16:25a
- “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
- “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 NIV
- “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
- "...whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Matthew 16:25b
- “And without faith it is impossible to please God" Hebrews 11:6
God doesn't force his plans on us. He invites us to be a part of them. We had to chose. With MUCH reluctance, 9 months ago we chose Gods path. The first steps were filled with feelings of doubt, fear and questions. Although we had reservations, we knew those feelings were ours, not Gods. We trusted God. We trusted his Word. We trusted His plan. We trusted that...
- God knows the Unknown
- God plans the unpredictable
- God controls the uncontrollable
Looking back God has done so much in our hearts over the last 9 months. Looking toward He is going to do so much more. This new path is not easy, it's not safe, it's not predictable. But, it is Gods plan, therefore it is purposed for us and perfect for Him.