Years ago a friend told me that she had to accept a situation, but was very unhappy about it believing it was unjust. She told me that she sensed from the Lord she needed to let it go. And then she said:
I did let go, but, inside of me…. well I was standing up on the inside.
She was accepting it at one level; the level we all know where we grin and bear it– where we say yes, but mean not really, or where we are compliant, but have a bad attitude about it all. Standing up on the inside is when we say we give it up and on the outside it appears that we have, but on the inside we are kicking and screaming.
Can anyone relate? Recently, I found myself laying something down; something really big that I love dearly and the Lord told me to let go. I went through the motions of letting go. I took care of business so to speak, but inside I was in a bit of a mess.
But God… when He tells us to do something we best do it. Obedience is worth the price. So here are some steps that might help you when God says no. Or when God says let go.
- Make sure it isn’t your vain imagining. Ask wise counselors.
- Make sure you aren’t burned out or just so tired you are ready to lay something down or let go when actually all you need is a few days rest.
- Ask God to confirm that you heard Him correctly. He is faithful to do this.
- Guard your heart from finding ways to weasel out of what He is telling you. Familiarity can cause us to go back to a season that the Lord has said is over.
- Remember it is not all about you. When God says no, or let go of something you cherish, ask him to show you the bigger picture. Sometimes we are called to decrease so others can increase. This can be really hard.
But God gives grace to the humble and although He may close one door, you can be sure He will open another and the next door will be filled with His purpose for the next season.
So my friends, when God says no or closes a door, don’t waste time standing up on the inside with a bad attitude that causes you stress or sorrow. Let go. Let God. And watch what He will do with an obedient heart.
Joanne
