By: Elizabeth Haarberg

Holding Pattern

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

I’m sure I’m not alone when I describe situations in life that start off amazing, fantastic, or unbelievable only to leave us in limbo or disappointed. When I’ve started a new adventure, everything is fresh and exciting.  As time passes, the “new” wears off and it can be hard to give the activity much energy. I’ve begun implementing a prayer for God’s will to intervene along with detaching emotionally from the expectation of the outcome.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 ESV

Shifting away from what we want toward what God wants is a switch in our head and heart, and away from our desires to His. The process can be difficult or easy for a person; it depends how tightly someone is holding on to the expectation of the outcome.

“…to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24 ESV

Getting out of the “holding pattern” of life requires letting go of expectations of ourselves, others and the situation. Renewing ourselves in the image of God, dressing ourselves in the richness of God’s likeness, and trusting God’s will over our expectation is how the shift can happen sooner rather than later. Try detaching from the world (Romans 12:2) and moving our thoughts to another dimension where God’s peace is abundant, regardless of the outcome of the situation.

Pray for God’s will over the situation, truly release expectations to Him, receive His peace, and wait on God. He is working, moving and changing situations even if we don’t see results right away. He will eventually take us out of the holding pattern that we are flying in and help us land.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado