Sometimes “let go and let God” is bad advice. Let’s all take a deep breath and not let that sentence scare us.
I understand why “letting go” becomes our default phrase when we want to live surrendered to Jesus. “Letting go” definitely sounds more Jesus-approved than “hanging on.”
But there will be times when you simply can’t let go. You’ve got to hang on tight, as if your life depends upon it. It will feel like you’ve hitched a ride on the back side of a hurricane. Your hands will get calloused and cramped. This isn’t the kind of surrender we usually hear about, is it? This kind of sweat-on-the-brow surrender is fiery and wild. It will ask so much of you that it will hurt.
Perhaps you will be able to let go later. But not yet.
Don’t let go when it gets difficult. Let go only when it’s time.
Until then, hang on.
Scott and I had to hang on tight a few years ago when uncertainty hit our farm like a punch to the gut. Scott’s father, Paul, died of leukemia. Scott would not only grieve the loss of his father and business partner, he would also care for the land alone.
Paul died in the cold of winter. That spring, we were so grateful for the mercy of God when our crops grew tall, thickening over the rows so everything green was touching. There was something so beautiful and hopeful about that. It felt like everything was going to be okay, even though Paul’s old John Deere cap drooped, sad, on a nail by the back door.
We had hope.
But then October came. Not a single plant had been harvested when we awoke to find a thick blanket of snow covering the crops. The snow stole the hopefulness we’d felt earlier that year.
Late that afternoon, a farmer who lived a few miles away tapped his knuckles on the back door. I opened it and found him standing on the doormat with his fists shoved into a thick quilted jacket with a corduroy collar. He showed up at our house on a really hard day, during a really hard year.
“Scott home yet?” he asked. “No,” I told him. “Still doing chores.” “Well,” the farmer continued, “you just tell him that I stopped by because I want him to know something for certain. I want him to know that the harvest always comes. You’ll let him know?”
I nodded my head, feeling a catch in my throat.
The farmer had come to remind us, in his own way, what the Bible says about hanging on in hard times. “At the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9, emphasis added).
Friend, I don’t know exactly what you’re going through. Maybe it feels like the harvest will never come. Maybe it feels like all hope is lost. Perhaps you want to “let go” or give up. But what if you need to hang on a little longer?
Today I’m the friend at your back door, tapping my knuckles to see if you’re home. I’m standing on your doormat to tell you the same thing the old farmer told me: “The harvest always comes.”
And I’m here to tell you that the farmer was right. Weeks after he stood on our stoop, the harvest did come. The snow melted, and Scott drove the old green combine back and forth across a gently sloping hill and harvested the crops.
Don’t give up, friend. Hang on when God tells you to hang on. He is still in this.
Hang on. Yes, it’s hard, but it might not be time to let go.
Hang on. This might be only a season, with relief around the corner.
Hang on. When you hang on with bravery, you emotionally strengthen others who are struggling to hang on themselves. You’re showing them that it’s possible to do hard things.
Hang on. For your marriage. For your kids. For your church. For the people that your ministry bravely serves. For the hurting. For your friends who don’t know if they can hang on anymore.
Hang on. Because Jesus will meet you in the middle of your hardest battles.
Hang on.
Adapted from It’s All Under Control: A journey of letting go, hanging on & finding a peace you almost forgot was possible by Jennifer Dukes Lee. Copyright © 2018. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.
Jennifer Dukes Lee, one of our regular (in)courage contributors, is the author of It’s All Under Control and the It’s All Under Control Bible Study. For one day only, September 13, the book is 50 % off at ChristianBook.com! Go grab it now at half price.
This is a book for every woman who is hanging on tight and trying to get each day right — yet finding that life often feels out of control. Both books release September 18, but preorder today and you can claim several gifts, including the Surrender Manifesto printable, the first week of the It’s All Under Control Bible Study, and early access to the first three chapters of It’s All Under Control. Claim your gifts by clicking here.
Leave a Comment
Michele Morin says
I’m so eager to start reading your book, Jennifer! Thank you for this tiny glimpse of the wisdom in its pages and for the encouragement to hang on and wait for the harvest God has planned.
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
I’ve been so excited to share these words with the (in)courage community. Thanks for your support, Michele.
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Jennifer,
Your hurricane analogy hits home right now as we hang on waiting for Florence (who is agonizingly slow) to hit….So true that we need to hang on. God promises us, in Isaiah 41:10, that He will hold onto us with His victorious right hand….He will not let us fall. (in)courage ladies, I’ve read Jennifer’s book (I’ve had the privilege to get a sneak peak) and it is a must read! Jennifer encourages us to let go of our “busy” lives in order to take hold of our “best” life. She debunks the myth that we can keep it all under control. Trying to control is born out of fear and builds a false sense of pride….I know, I’ve been there. There truly is a better way. I love Jennifer’s stories that illustrate her points….you don’t want to miss “Busy Boobs” lol. I needed the reminder that the harvest does, indeed, come. Thanks, Jennifer, for an awesome gift!
Blessings,
Bev xoxo
Gail says
Letting go of busy in order to take hold of best seems to be the recurring theme in my studies lately. Sounds like I need to add this one.
Lara Sadowski says
Bev, I just have to tell you how thankful I am for your kind and wise words. Your presence here in this community is such a blessing to me and all of us! <
Joy in Jesus,
Lara Sadowski
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Lara,
Well, this place and these women (you included) have encouraged me through some pretty rough times. One way I can bless God is by praising Him and letting others know what He’s done, and what they’ve done in my life. Your sweet words are a blessing to me today <3
Bev xo
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
Oh Bev, Thank you for your kind words. I have been praying for everyone in the path of the storm, and that song “In the Eye of The Storm” is on repeat in my mind!
Beth Williams says
Bev,
Praying for all in NC. May God have Florence downgraded & stay out at sea. I pray no one gets hurt or loses much.
Blessings 🙂
Marian says
Thank you for this. I read it after finishing my early morning time with the Lord. Our situations are different, but God used your words to minister directly to my heart today.
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
So glad to hear my words touched your heart, Marian.
Courtney says
Thank you for this encouragement.
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
You’re welcome, Courtney.
Becky says
I am definitely ordering this today. I am ready to let go. I am tired. I have been rejected by my own daughter. I am forbidden to see my grandson who I was at one time very close to. He will not know me…he was only 2 the last time I saw him. My health is worsening. Pain is daily. I don’t know if I can hang on any longer. I don’t understand why God has allowed this. Why put a little boy through the divorce of his parents and the alienation of grandparents who love him so much? It stings like nothing before has ever stung.
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
Oh Becky, My heart aches and breaks for you. That’s so much pain. Thank you for ordering my book. My hope and prayer is that it would bring you some peace and relief at a time when you need both. xo
Twyla says
There are scars that nobody can see
There is a deep silence while drinking tea
I’m trying to hide the bruise on my knee
Is there anyone who can see what is happening to me?
There are things between sunrise and sunset that we don’t speak
There are so many times I feel so weak
I remind myself I’m precious, I am unique
Somehow I can’t forget what happened last week
There are days I feel dull and blue
Unable to get out of bed, I put the alarm on snooze
Can’t describe what it is, these non-verbal gestures, not sure if this is abuse
I can’t find the strength to wear my shoes..
There is anxiety , there is unrest
There is a burden in my chest..
I don’t feel like getting dressed
I am so messed , I am so messed..
There are days I recall the blood drops on my feet
Tears rolling down, shaking in fear, that rapid heartbeat
I didn’t know who to meet, I couldn’t eat..
It’s horrific to recall, that blanket, that bed-sheet..
There are brutal memories of physical assault
Beaten and thrashed for things , made to believe it was my fault..
I was a boy, I wasn’t taught to cry, express my hurt
There are painful scars beneath my colorful shirt!
Written by Twyla David (twylavdavid@gmail.com)
Lara Sadowski says
Jennifer, your book is on my “order right now” list! Thank you for your words today.
“Hang on. Because Jesus will meet you in the middle of your hardest battles.”
I needed this reminder so much today. From health issues to employment worries, mine and my family’s plate is kind of full, but Jesus is big enough, and He will never leave us nor forsake us. YAY!
Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow!
Joy in Jesus,
Lara Sadowski <
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Lifting you and your family in my prayers right now, Lara…. our God is able. May He grant you peace as you walk THROUGH the valley.
Bev xo
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
Sounds like you’ve definitely got a lot on your plate, Lara. I hope that my book helps to ease your burden, even in some small way. xo
Beth Williams says
Lara,
Praying for better health & employment to all in your family. May you have a sense of peace & contentment in the midst of these trials. Hang on sweet sister! God will send a harvest in His perfect timing!
Blessings 🙂
Laura says
Oh how I needed to hear these words this morning. They made me cry. I’m so @ a point of giving up & losing hope & the comfort this brought me is more than I can even express right now. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Laura,
When I have felt like that, I picture myself as the tiny, frightened, helpless lamb being scooped up and held so tenderly in the strong, loving arms and hands of Jesus. He is pulling you close to His beating heart of love for you….calling you to rest in Him and cry on His shoulder. He’s got you and He’s never letting go….no matter what. Cling to his victorious right hand and ask Him to give you His strength. He will not let you fall – underneath are the everlasting arms. Praying for you right now….
Bev xo
Laura says
Thank you Bev! First time in a long time that I’ve been the one encouraged. So often I can dish out support or encouragement to others but have a hard time admitting when I feel like I’m @ my wits end as well as heeding my own advice . I read your comments daily & you are a remarkable woman. I appreciate you & am grateful for your reply
Pearl Allard says
What a blessing that a neighbor would care so much to literally show up at your doorstep to assure you the harvest always comes! Thank you, Jennifer, for figuratively showing up at mine! 🙂
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
Yes, Pearl! And it wasn’t long after that that the man passed away. He was a treasure, and we miss him dearly.
linda lint says
From a sister in Iowa – T h a n k Y o u !!! for this most timely knock on my door this morning. You have no idea how much I needed this message….
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
I am so glad these words found their way to you, Linda. Waving hello from my corner of Iowa!
Lynn D. Morrissey says
Jennifer, of course, I recognized this poignant, hopeful story from your wonderful book, which I finished a week ago and could NOT put down!! This counsel is wonderful, too, and really speaks to me personally. I just read that Scripture yesterday, unexpectedly, not in the context of your book, and God is giving me hope to hang on after a very long blight of fruitlessness. I need to remember: Then comes the harvest . . . always. God finishes the good work He begins. That’s why! Honestly, I’ve never liked the man-made adage, “Let go and let God,” because it is incomplete, despite how easily it rolls from the tongue. You cite the example that it depends on what we are letting go. And surely, it is never hope. We must never let go of hope. I think too it is always appropriate to cling to God, through every harvest, through every blight, through every summer, through every winter. We never let go His hand. And here is the more crucial truth: Bottom line is that HE never lets go of us!!! Now there is something to cling to. I am praying sooo many women will read the wisdom in It’s All Under Control. It’s a special book (like its author! 🙂 ), and I know will bless them, their families, and friends. I hope they get lots of copies to share the Good News. God’s got their questions, doubts, concerns, and trials, because God’s got them and will never let them go!
Love
Lynn
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
Your support and encouragement mean so much. And I love what you say here about never letting go of hope. A to the MEN!
Penny says
Jennifer,
Visualizing the kind farmer standing there at your doorstep literally brought tears to my eyes. Thank-you for showing up and delivering such a special message.
Have a blessed day all,
Prnny
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
All these years later, Penny? And I still get tears in my eyes thinking about it. Thank you for being here.
Mary Geisen says
Your message today is one I cannot get enough of. I am the person who says “let go and let God” as if it is the answer to all our troubles. But you are wise to show us that timing is everything and the result will always be fruitful. The harvest always comes. Love your book and you!
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
I’ve done the same thing, Mary, when — at a loss for words — I’ve tossed that phrase out. And there definitely are times of letting go, aren’t there? But just as often, I sense God saying to me, “Don’t you dare let go. Hang on tighter than ever before.”
Monica says
This is beautiful.
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
Thank you, Monica.
Niki Hardy says
Jennifer this is a beautiful story and reminder to hang on. Jacob wrestled with God, hanging on for dear life until his blessing came, and sometimes we need to hang on tighter than we ever thought possible. Yes, the harvest always comes. It may not look as we’d hoped or planned, but it always comes.
Thank you for sharing. I was right there with you looking the farmer in the eye as he delivered his important message.
Niki
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
Thanks for being right here with me, Niki … in so many ways. I adore you.
Becky Beresford says
Wow, okay.
Your words were straight from Jesus, meant for my heart today! Thank you so much, Jennifer! I’m in a hang-on season right now, and even though I sometimes think it would be easier for me to let go of my dream, it doesn’t mean it’s the BEST. Thank you for sharing your story and for speaking life into hard places. Looks like I’ve got a new book to buy 😉
Blessings to you and your family,
Becky
Anita says
These words pierced my heart this morning and I sobbed! I lost my mom last April from cancer after being her primary care giver in another city for a year and a half. I came home to grieve, utterly exhausted and spent only to start having health problems. It has taken two months and tests and spending money we don’t have to figure it out. At the same time our small Mortgage business is struggling and I don’t know how we are going to hang on. My husband is working so hard all day, nights, and weekends. We need to sell our house of 18 yers and downsize but there is no time and little money to get it market ready to sell! Jennifer your words were balm to my soul! I’m holding onto those farmer’s wise words and our Lord’s… “The harvest will come if we don’t give up.”
I ordered your book and Bible study to help me walk this season and trust God!
Blessings!
Connie Rowland says
Hi Jennifer! Thank you for sharing this today. It’s so true, sometimes we just have to hang on tight to God’s promises and wait for His perfect timing. Waiting is hard but we will reap the rewards if we do not lose heart. Blessings to you!
Gia Cerino says
Where can I sign up for the Bible study? Thank you!
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
Hi Gia! You can buy the It’s All Under Control Bible study on the retailer of your choice. So if you have a bookstore that you love, or maybe you prefer an online retailer, you can pick whichever you choose. 🙂
Vickie Newkirk says
Jennifer and friends,
Giving thanks to God for each of your sharing and witness. As my teenage grandson’s grieve the sudden loss of one of their best friends who chose to end his life, I have been made aware of the words ‘hang on’ and how disturbing this may be to potential readers and those of us who have been part of this tragedy.
I even caught myself beginning to say that phrase and now choose to say ‘hold on’. It is a simple compassionate step.
There is no one I’d rather hold onto…the hand of Jesus Christ!
Tom says
Sometimes I think “letting go and let God” is the same as hanging on. My wife and I have been through some tough times. This is when letting go and hanging onto God can be the same thing. And yes, tough times don’t last, but tough (seasoned) people do. God is always refining us. Sometimes gently, sometimes not. If we’re not always striving, then we’re drifting, and that isn’t good.
Melissa Anderson says
What a blessing that couldn’t have possibly come at a better time. Thank you! I get to snuggle in after a very long day and dig in to the first three chapters of what looks like an amazing and perspective-changing read! Absolutely cannot wait!
Beth Williams says
Jennifer,
Jesus will not only meet us in our battles, but He will go through them with us. He is always right there to lend a hand. He will give us a harvest of good for our trials & hard work. I have a friend Jan going through breast cancer now. She has had many side effects of chemo. Going to start radiation next month. She is holding on to the only hope she has. Another friend is having work issues. Wanting to retire, but can’t afford to. She, too is holding on tightly. This world says do it on your own. God says let me help you. I know best how to get you through these trials. We all go through tough seasons. Some last longer than others. God will help you reap a harvest. Don’t give up or give in. Give it to Jesus. Keep clinging to His hands & listening for His voice.
Blessings 🙂
Lucretia Berry says
Beautiful and powerful!
Thank you!
Jeanne Takenaka says
Awww, Jennifer. Can I just say that this is the second time this story brought tears to my eyes? The harvest always comes. With some of what our family is walking through, I need to cling to this truth. Our God strengthens us when we cling to Him and don’t give up. I’m holding tight to that reminder today.
Susan Bricker says
Jennifer this is so beautiful. It brought me to tears. The harvest will come… you have no idea how much I needed these words today. It speaks to the wounded place in my soul. That dark place that makes you just want to run away and hide from life. But the harvest will come. You’re an amazing author and I have been so blessed by your ministry over the years. Praise the Lord for blessing you with such a beautiful and powerful gift. I’m grateful.
Maree Dee says
Loving your book.
Rebecca Jones says
He will help us decide what to let go of and what to hang on to, thank God.
Gretchen Garrison says
Such a needed message for me. Thank you!