Last week, my daughter–along with nine other students and their Spanish teacher–boarded a plane for Spain. This was a big step for both my daughter and me. For Peyton, it was the adventure of a lifetime and I was excited for her. As for me, I had to do a lot of letting go and a lot of trusting in Peyton and in God. The whole process caused me to realize how much I depended on my own efforts to care for and protect my child. With me out of the picture, anything could happen. I had lost all control. Letting her travel to another country was like laying down my Isaac and placing her wholly in the care of God.
In today’s devotional from Proverbs 31 Ministries called, The Lord Will Provide, I share my favorite bible-story. In it God commands Abraham to sacrifice, Isaac, his only son. We read that without question or debate, Abraham obeys God. He builds an alter, lays down his son and proceeds to end his life—all at the command of God. This boggles our modern minds. How could Abraham go through with it? How could God ask? Did Abraham know the end result?
No, he didn’t. But he did know God. And he knew that God had made him a promise that He wouldn’t break. All Abraham could rely on was God’s promise and it was enough. I’ve found the same is true in my life. Letting go of the illusion of control and relying completely on God to do what I cannot, brings peace and stability to my life. That’s the magic of faith!
When I decided to trust God and rely on His strength, I was able to place my daughter in His care. What was the end result—peace. In addition, the end result for my daughter will be much more. I’m certain she will grow and mature from the experience. She may even catch a glimpse of God’s purpose for her life.
Let me ask you something. Is God asking you to lay down your Isaac? Are you still relying on yourself or a certain circumstance? Perhaps you’re trying to live a holy life, but you cannot. Maybe you’re trying to serve God or be the best mom you can be—or the best at your job, but you cannot. That is a sign you are relying on self instead of God.
It’s time to let go of the illusion of control and take God at His Word. The problem is not, “If I could only believe.” It’s a matter of the will. Will you believe? Will you trust His promise even though you don’t know the end result? I challenge you to find out. Rely on nothing but His promise today…
“Be confident of this very thing, that he which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).
“The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places” (Habakkuk 3:19).
“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he hears us; And if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions we desire of him” (1 John 5:14,15).
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall you smell of smoke” (Isaiah 43:2).
Truly, truly I say to you, he that believes in me, the works I do he shall also do; greater works than these he shall do; because I go to my father’s house” (John 14:12).
“My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure; I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it” (Isaiah 46:10-11).
Bottom line lesson we learn from Abraham is this… if God said, don’t sweat it! For more daily encouragement, follow me on Facebook and twitter!
Melinda says
I SOOOOOOOOOO needed your devo today! My husband has been going through a midlife crisis for the past couple of years and it has wreaked havoc on our family! Things are coming to a head and big decisions will be made this next coming week. Everything is sooooo out of control. I have no say in our future. There is nothing I can do to make things better. I’m in a helpless spot. Last night I had no one to talk to…except my Lord. I just wish I could have physically felt His arms around me. I know He was there, because when I woke up this morning, the future does seem brighter, even though nothing has really changed!
Andrea says
Your post today was a true blessing to me. I too struggle with staying “in control” when I know it is really an illusion of control. I am trying to learn to rest in God’s faithfulness. Thank you for sharing God’s work in your life.
DOROTHY says
I needed to read this today. My youngest son came home from college for spring break this week. As he shares about things he seeing & doing, my heart is heavy. He’s making some choices that are not wise. He’s hearing things that are against scripture. I am trying, in my strength, to convince him that he’s wrong in his thoughts & actions. Today, I am going to give it to God who is able to carry it all! I’m going to give Him my heartache and anxiety! I’m going to take Him at His word that says…”raise up a child in the way he should go…and when he is old, he will not depart.” My husband keeps reminding me of this promise…today, by God’s grace, I am listening & will trust God because God loves my son more then I do! Thank you for this reminder today. 🙂
Charlotte says
Thank you as this came at a time when I really needed to read it! I was in a very dark, deep and long valley yesterday. Even tho I would cry out to God and try to stand on the faith of His promises, I failed. Reading your devotion this morning, I knew that God was using it to reinforce in my mind that yes, I must stand on His promises, at ALL times, and lean NOT on my own understanding.
Georgia Brown says
Thank you for this timely word. Abraham’s faith and obedience are very inspiring. You show us how God wants us to lay everything before Him and really trust Him. We need to keep surrendering to God. Thanks again.
Sandy says
My daughter recently was in a terrible car accident. When they had to air lift her to the nearest trauma center I realized how feeble a mother’s efforts are to protect her children. I am so glad I could leave her in the care of a mericful God. Thank you for sharing
Annett says
Thanks for the blog post today. I really needed it. I have a daughter that is a Sr. this year. She is a good strong christian and will do well in college. Thanks for helping me realize it’s ok to let go. She is a child of the KING and she has always been in His hands.
Charlene says
When I read the scripture Isaiah 43:2 today it brought to my mind the Japanese engineers that are working on the nuclear plant in Japan. These men and women are giving their lives and health for that of their families and fellow country men,women, and children. This is truly a sacrifice. Please stand with me in prayer and agreement for their safety and Japan’s healing. Let’s stand together in agreement praying the scripture “Isaiah 43:2. “When you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, neither shall you smell of smoke.”