Until recently, I didn’t know my way around a hardware store. I was an occasional visitor, stopping in only when mulch was on a super sale or we had a plumbing crisis.
Last year when I packed away our Christmas decorations, though, I simultaneously embarked on Project Sell-Our-House. Our family of six had crammed into our small three-bedroom home for years and together, my husband and I felt God’s gentle go-ahead with moving plans.
I went from a virtual stranger at the hardware store to almost (but not quite) a mega fan. I learned about storage solutions, plumbing fixtures, and paint rollers. I learned window screens aren’t found near the windows, but are instead with the screws and nails (go figure). I tried and failed projects of every kind, Google-searching and You-Tubing my way to new solutions. I trekked to the store once, twice, maybe three times a week for new supplies.
Our For Sale sign went up on a Tuesday. By Friday, we had a ratified contract for our full asking price.
Oh yes, this whole house selling project felt anointed. God was on a roll.
And then.
Then the phone calls came, one after another, announcing problems with the buyers’ mortgage, delays, delays, and more delays. We tumbled into discouragement and doubt. Every day after school, my kids asked me, “Can we move yet?” Every night, we’d pray as a family for God’s help.
One day, I suggested to my seven-year-old that maybe we wouldn’t move after all. “The worst thing,” I told her, “would be we stay in this house. That’s disappointing, but it’s not awful.”
That night she prayed, “Dear God, we want our new house. Please, please help us be able to move. But if not, that’s okay, too.”
Her little bedtime prayer ultimately became my prayer. She reminded me to hold tight to Jesus and hold everything else lightly. God shouldn’t have to pry any plans or dreams out of my hands because I refuse to let them go.
Angela Thomas Parr wrote in A Beautiful Offering:
When you are holding everything with your hand open, then God is free to exchange His better for your good without so much pain in the transition.
After an ugly cry and a heart-to-heart sob-fest with God in my minivan the next day, I prayed this: “God, you know what I desire, but if you want us to stay put, then we’ll do that instead.”
Then I opened my hands.
Maybe in the end, Jesus will give our dream right back to us. That’s how, after weeks of frustrating delays, we finally sat around a huge wooden table and signed the papers on our new house.
Or maybe God will comfort our broken hearts as we grieve and mourn for a wish denied.
Either way, we have the sweet presence of Jesus right there with us. He knows this is hard for us. His prayers in the garden on the night of His betrayal show us that. Jesus struggled in prayer that night. He wrestled with the options, asking for another way.
And then He opened His hands:
Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done. (Luke 22:42)
Here at the start of a new year, may our prayers be simple and true: “Your will this year, not mine, Lord. Your will, not mine.”
Then, we open our hands to God, allowing Him to exchange His best plans for our faulty ones. We hold lightly to our own hopes, goals, plans, resolutions, and dreams for the year, and we hold tightly to the God who loves us so much He chose the cross.
Of course, we want joy, not pain. We want fulfillment, not delays. We don’t want dreams to die or hopes to end in disappointment.
But more than any of that, we want Jesus.
And being with Jesus means trusting His heart for us, trusting His love for us, trusting that in everything we face, He is at work for our good and His glory.
Leave a Comment
Michele Morin says
Oh, Heather, thank you for writing about this hard wrestling, and especially, coming as it does from the midst of the unresolved and the wish still not granted, your word are like fire.
Blessings to you as you live your way toward God’s glorious Given.
Heather King says
Michele, what a balance it takes to live with contentment, but also persevere in prayer when we have those unresolved requests and wishes we hope will still be granted. It’s God’s heart, His love and compassion, that help me through those seasons of intense waiting. May God renew hope and stir up joy in you this new year! ~heather~
Anastasia Corbin says
Thank you for sharing this! I love how God works EVERYTHING out for His glory and our good. We can rest in that promise even in the wait.
Heather King says
Yes! I love that you reminded us of the opportunity for “rest”–not because our circumstances are all resolved or the promises are fulfilled, but we rest because He is so trustworthy, He is so able, and He loves us so much. We trust His heart. Thank you for sharing that!
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Heather,
God has had to pry open my clenched fist on my will many a time. What a great reminder to hold our dreams in an open hand, offering it up to God that HIS will be done, not ours. I know I’ve said this here before, but so often we are “willing to settle for a tootsie roll, when what God has in mind for us is a Godiva bar.” His best often trumps our best by a mile. He is able to do so much more than we could ever ask or imagine. Joining with you in not settling, and holding my will and wishes in an open hand vs. a closed fist. Great post!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Juil Dandini says
I like your analogy. I saw that occur in my dating after a divorce and wanting to be a wife again. Men i thought suitable eventually disappointed, and then one unexpected day, my blessing arrived., definitely a Godiva bar worth the wait!
Kamilah says
Good morning Juli,
I am in this very situation right now. I’ve been divorced for 11 years. As I see other couples together, my heart actually aches. I will give God my open hands because it is through Him that I want His God sent best ! Amen!
Heather King says
Kamilah, yes! He has a best plan for you and He loves you. I pray that He encourages you and showers you with His affection as you trust Him and wait for His plans to unfold.
Juil Dandini says
Kamalih and the other two ladies that replied to my comment. Fortunately my late husband and I cherished our time together and were always kissy and hand holders. This being a third marriage for each of us, we were committed with God’s help to cherish this opportunity. Unfortunately, this vibrant healthy and amazing man developed dementia. After taking an early retirement and relocating across country to my hometown, we were able to enjoy the time together as his memory failed. The God blessing from this was finding his adult children and arranging a reconciliation with them and the opportunity to express love and forgiveness. I have been a widow for 15 months, and God has been faithful and a constant support and has shown me the depth of His love. I know what it feels like to be valued and protected, and can live each day in gratitude for what I had, and hope for the future. I know that a God holds me in the palm of His hand!
Beth Williams says
Juil,
Waiting can be hard. God wants to give us His very best. Happy that you waiting for Godiva & didn’t settle for a Hershey Kiss. So sorry for the loss of this husband. Thankful that you had the time together & got to meet his children & reconcile with them. Praying for you as you walk this journey!
(((((Hugs)))))
Heather King says
What a great testimony! Thanks for sharing that encouragement that waiting for God’s best was worth it!
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
So glad you waited for the Godiva Bar!! Sharing in your happiness in finding love again! May you have many more wonderful years together!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Heather King says
Oh, I love that image! I definitely would want to hold out for the Godiva 🙂 God’s best is indeed what my heart longs for!
karenvrooyen says
Lovely words and such a good visual, Heather! Thank you for sharing. Opening our hands to receive the promises from God as we share our hopes and dreams with Him, knowing He is the giver of all good things. Be blessed!
Heather King says
Karen, God’s Word gives us such hope. Yes, He is faithful. Yes, He is full of abiding love for us. Yes, He is the God of all compassion. Yes, He is the giver of all good things. What promises we have rooted in His character. Thanks for sharing that! Blessings in your new year!
Barbara says
Well said, Heather. Thank you for the blessing you’ve imparted through your reflections. (Also, very well written. You are a gifted writer!)
Heather King says
Thanks for stopping by to read and leave a sweet note of encouragement! I appreciate it!
Lori says
Having just come through a couple of days of frustrations and set backs, and knowing that the repercussions will still have to be dealt with for another week or so, this is EXACTLY what I needed to hear! I literally felt lead to this type of praying all morning — it’s not about me; it’s all about You, Father. Praying for His glory in my trial is a new and tough heart set for me; thank you for the encouragement to go there! Blessings!
Heather King says
What amazing timing. God is so good to give us those confirmations and encouragements at just the right time. It really is all about Him and it helps knowing that our story is part of His great story!
Brenda says
Amen. Open hands. Thank you for the reminder that He opened His hands first to us. Jesus—the “enough” my heart has always needed. Everything else is gravy, isn’t it, Heather? — P.S., we share a similar prayer this year, mine is: “More of you, Lord, less of me in 2018.” Here’s to a great year following Him. 🙂 ((hug))
Heather King says
What a wonderful way to pray over your new year. I love it! Here’s to a great year of following after Jesus, indeed!
Sandra Rowell says
Just like the Lord to send this devotion my way through a friend as I get ready to venture up to the attic to put away Christmas and begin organization for a possible move. We’d like to build a new house and downsize and are moving forward unless God has something else in mind. But what really got to me and spoke to my heart was what you told your daughter, “The worst would be to stay in this house. That’s disappointing, but not awful.” I had to smile because that’s the way I’ve been looking at this from the very first thought of moving. I can’t wait to see what God’s plan is for us. You have reminded me to keep my hand opened to Him. I’m thankful for you, my friend who forwarded this devotion to me, and to God’s timing that I read it this day!
Heather King says
I remember praying often in those early days when I was purging and painting and getting the house ready, “God, whatever you have for us is good.” I’m praying for your great new adventure right now, that God will lead and guide you and help you anticipate His goodness rather than fear or worry. He’s got this!
Susan Shipe says
Heather, just what I needed to read and believe today. We are selling our home of 30 years. Lots of lookers, but no takers yet. Pray I can open my hands!!!
Heather King says
What a big move for you, Susan! My mother-in-law often reminded me that it just takes that one right buyer and everything falls into place. Praying that for you today!
Jeri DeGroot says
You could have addressed this to me! We looked at houses over the holidays to move to a new area and it doesn’t look feasible. I am struggling with how to reconcile what I believe is a God given desire and then the door slamming shut. I’m certain you understand the roller coaster of emotions wears me out.
Heather King says
Oh yes, it is exhausting to be on that roller coaster and to keep giving those desires over to Him and really trusting Him with your heart and your needs. Sometimes, I need to grieve a little over the “no” and then look up and move on to God’s “yes”—whatever that may be. God will lead you and He will guide your next steps. You are loved!
Diana Rangel says
This couldn’t have come at a better time. As I embark on this somewhat same journey of moving, finding a new home (purchase) I find myself terrified of the delays, ‘what if its no’ and all the possible reasons I can find just NOT to do it. Being a single Mom these last ten years has not been the easiest but I’ve always counted my blessings. Nonetheless, my fear of rejection stems from a lot of things and now working though getting approved for a mortgage has me on edge. Then my 15 year old daughter came to me yesterday and wanted to know more about “fasting”. So I explained how fasting is about sacrifice and offering up prayers we want God to answer. We spoke more about fasting in detail. She said in the most compassionate voice, “Mom, then can we fast together and pray over this house thing?”. My heart melted and God showed me if my daughter is willing, why would I even question. Our fasting begins today. Please pray for us because we’ve never done this. But her faith renewed mine. How blessed am I to have a daughter that wants to do this together.
Heather King says
Diana, that’s beautiful that your daughter came to you with this request and that you are joining her in this fast. I am indeed praying for you both today as you seek HIM. I love the resonant message of the Christmas story to FEAR NOT. May He give you great courage and make you brave as you step out, try something new, and see what God does!
K Ann Guinn says
Thanks for this beautiful reminder!
Heather King says
Thanks for visiting, reading, and leave a note for me! God bless!
Laurie says
This is a blessing to me this year. As a recent cancer survivor, I am continually reminded by Gods grace in continued life now cancer free. Praise the Lord! Not only did God give me more life as his gift to my open hands, but he also took my cancer away. May we all see Gods hand in our trials and praise his gifts with open hearts and hands.
Heather King says
Praise God that you are cancer-free!! I’m sure that walking through that experience has left you ever more aware of His care and His grace!
Rhonda Collins says
Heather, I believe Gid spoke directly to my heart through your words. I so needed this right now. God bless.
Heather King says
Oh I’m so thankful that God could use these words to be a blessing at just the right moment. He is so gracious to us!
Marianne says
I ask for prayer that God will see my open hand and reveal to me my path. I let go of a home that was my dream. Second thoughts continue to steal my joy.
It was sold and I am heartbroken. Just asking dear God for a second chance. I pray daily for when to let go or hold on to this dream of mine. Thank you for your prayers
Heather King says
Those regrets are definitely thieves of joy. You are so right, and I understand that need to grieve the loss and bring that hurt to Jesus. I’m praying that God will bring His plans to completion and fulfill His plans for you.
Little Mary says
I’m praying for you and won’t have a hard time of it since we happen to share the same first name 🙂 ! I pray you’ll feel the deep “peace of God that passes all understanding”!! And that you will see through the fog to discern the way He has planned just for you!
Marianne says
Thank you Little Mary for much needed prayers and kind words.
God Bless you
Milagros says
Heather, right now I’m facing a serious health issue. I’m praying for healing, please Jesus heal me! When will it come, when will it come?! But mixed in with my frustration is knowing in my heart that I must trust God and His timing. This situation has brought me face to face with my faith.
“But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you”~Psalm 56:3
Heather King says
The verse you are holding onto is so powerful. May God meet you right there in your place of need and remind you of His presence and His power. Praying for you right now!
Milagros says
Heather, thank you so much for your prayers! May God continue to bless you and your family.
Rebecca L Jones says
Yes, let go and rest, He has better plans that we do.
Heather King says
Yes, He does! Amen!
Beth Williams says
Heather,
It pays to wait on God’s perfect timing. Years ago I wanted to get married, or so I thought. I tried some on-line dating-but nothing seemed to work. I prayed “God I want someone in my life to help me with my aging parents, but not my will yours.” It wasn’t long after that God allowed a great man to write me (on-line). We dated 10 weeks & got married. We’ve been together now going on 14 years. He has been there every step of the way during my parents illnesses & death. Now it is my turn to help him with his parents. Open your hands to God’s plans for you. They are better than anything you can think of yourself.
Blessings 🙂
Heather King says
What a beautiful testimony of what happens when we trust Him to make our paths straight and to lead us at just the right time. Thanks for sharing and being such an encouragement to others!
Barbara Douma says
Thank you for this. We are in the process of moving out of state. My husband is already working there while the kids and I wait for our home to sell. So many unknowns in the meantime. Many lookers- some that seem sure to make an offer and yet we still wait. In the meantime, houses in WI have come and gone as we are hesitant to make an offer on one without knowing what our actual selling price will be. Our desire is to be wise financially and not house poor. Waiting on God’s timing is difficult!
Heather King says
It is difficult to keep waiting, but you are being wise and He will honor your heart to follow Him!
DaLee Kicker says
I love the reminder that God always know what is best and that it is our job to keep our hands open. I tend to hold on tightly to the things I should hold loosely. Blessings, DaLee
Heather King says
I hold on so tightly at times, too. It is a journey of learning to loosen our grip and trust Him more!
ldockery says
I needed this devotion. As someone who is a consummate ‘planner’, who can be laser focused on the goal that I set before myself, I tend to go full steam ahead. Thanks for the reminder to always seek God’s will…even if disagrees with my own.
“She reminded me to hold tight to Jesus and hold everything else lightly. God shouldn’t have to pry any plans or dreams out of my hands because I refuse to let them go. Angela Thomas Parr wrote in A Beautiful Offering:“
When you are holding everything with your hand open, then God is free to exchange His better for your good without so much pain in the transition.”
powerful
Heather King says
I am a super-planner also! Sometimes seeing my own super-planner daughter, who just turned 13, reminds me of some of those lessons God’s been teaching me all along–flexibility and trust. I see her plan her whole life out as a young teen and know that she’s going to need to adjust along the way. I’ve been there, done that. And yet, her future is so bright. I know God is with her. I take that to heart–He is with me, too, in whatever way He leads me.
Lou says
I’m taking this on board but finding unbelief as I’ve wanted change in two areas of my life and I’m desperate for them this year – to move out of my house and to be a wife (and maybe miracously in the future, a Mother). There have been no real changes in these areas and this has been over many years though many possibilities.
I’ve come to the point now where I have open hands. Though I would like to see these prayers answered…
Heather King says
I love that we can keep bringing our hurts to Jesus, even bring Him our struggles with unbelief, and focus on Him and His love for us. It changes our perspective and gives us peace and supernatural contentment, even when our desires are unfulfilled in the moment. Keep bringing your heart to Jesus, over and over and over!
Donna McColligan says
Yes. This. He’s in the waiting. He’s never failing.
Amy says
Thank you for this. God is reminding me that the prize is Jesus. He’s not the consolation prize– he’s the real deal. I’m praying that I realize this more and more this year.