By: Elizabeth Haarberg

RELINQUISH

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

Life is hard. There are days when I am so overwhelmed by my schedule and what’s ahead that I don’t even want to try to tackle what’s on the docket. But I’ve learned not to look too far ahead and get bogged down but instead take each piece and deal with what’s in front of me. God has provided a way every time I’ve asked for help, so why would he not assist me now?

“Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters,” Isaiah 43:16 English Standard Version

It took some training for me to really trust God with my schedule. I spent years manipulating pieces of my time to fit my needs, To hand Him my schedule is still a work in process.

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 English Standard Version

I still have a part in planning but letting God clear the way for His will to be done is my goal. I continue to practice releasing even as I watch Him work many times in my favor. The grip I have on my intentions is not as strong as it once was but I still find myself wanting to steer the ship and shove my agenda forward.

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 English Standard Version

Sometimes I see myself bogged down in the muck of responsibility and schedule. When I relinquish those pieces to God, He pulls me out and reminds me that I’ve created this primitive and miserable space. God has greater things for me than that I live in the yuck. He wants to take care of all my needs.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado