As I opened my favorite devotional (Jesus Calling by Sarah Young), I read these words that went straight to my heart:
“Be willing to follow wherever I lead. Follow Me wholeheartedly, with glad anticipation quickening your pace. Though you don’t know what lies ahead, I know; and that is enough! Some of My richest blessings are just around the bend: out of sight, but nonetheless very real. To receive these gifts, you must walk by faith–not by sight. This doesn’t mean closing your eyes to what is all around you. It means subordinating the visible world to the invisible Shepherd of your soul.”
Oh, Jesus, how perfect those words fit the needs of my spirit today.
There is a trend in the words I’ve begun using to describe my life. I’m giving up my rights. I’m following Jesus no matter what the cost. (Or at least I’m striving to do that wholly.) I’m no longer letting myself get bogged down with the demands and expectations this world has for my life. I’m listening closely and looking intently at Jesus as He leads me down this path for His name’s sake.
Jesus reminded me He knows exactly what’s coming, and there is no need to even be concerned with the future. I can–in fact, I should–just follow along and enjoy the ride. Along with that, my heart was convicted–to live in this present moment–not for what may or may not come in the future. And the best, most glorious promise I was met with is the extravagance God has awaiting me. It is beyond anything I can imagine. His richest blessings lie just ahead.
My job? To focus on the life He brings to me today. To be specially attuned to His voice so I don’t miss a turn. To be joyful up the mountain side when I could give in to fear, and then when I can see His plan clearly to be perfectly content and truly thankful.
And really it all begins with thankfulness.
I am thankful for this new day.
Thankful for God’s omniscience.
Thankful for His faithfulness.
Thankful for His peace.
Because when I pray for His peace, I’m not asking Him to become what I need Him to be. No, I should be thanking him for being Peace and asking for the grace to experience what He has been to me all along.
Friends, won’t you join in this journey of relinquishing the need for control, trusting His goodness?
by Melanie, The Adorkable Life
Leave a Comment
I Live in an Antbed says
Yes! He is trustworthy with our hearts and our lives. Any delusions I have of being in “control” are simply that, delusions. I can’t know what is best because I can’t see ahead. I would much rather let Him drive. Thank you for your words of testimony. He is glorified through them.
Jenilee says
wonderful post Melanie! How fun that you are posting here! 🙂
Sharon says
This is so good to be reminded of today. The last 2 and 1/2 years of my life have necessitated my need to hold on to this as a way of life. An event that I thought would happen (to my logical way of thinking) did not happen . So I needed to be reminded of the joy that is found in relinquishing control to the One who loves me more than anyone else. Thank you.
Living the Balanced Life says
Oh, Melanie, I am learning about relinquishing control all right. I have always held on to my life tightly, and God has showed me this past year that He wants to guide my life, and He will take me where He wants me to go, not necessarily where I want. It has been a long year with a lot of personal and physical struggles.
Thank you so much for sharing here today!
Bernice
Is multitasking the key to productivity?
Ida Mundell says
Beautiful, Melanie! That is also my favorite daily devotion! It’s amazing how it always hits just right for the day!
Holley Gerth says
“Just follow along and enjoy the ride.” Yes, I need to remember that’s all God asks me to do and He’ll take care of the rest! So glad your words are with us today, Melanie!
Jill says
Thanks for this encouragment to go forth