Blog by Ps Sharon Kelly
In this life, we will sometimes find ourselves in seasons that we never expected to face. In the moments that catch us off guard, it’s easy to lose sight of God’s goodness and His plan for us. Sometimes we even think that we have to re-take control of our lives.
Romans 2:3-4 MSG
You didn’t think, did you, that just by pointing your finger at others you would distract God from seeing all your misdoings and from coming down on you hard? Or did you think that because he’s such a nice God, he’d let you off the hook? Better think this one through from the beginning. God is kind, but he’s not soft. In kindness he takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change.
Have you ever had one of your kids have a meltdown in the grocery store? As a parent, you don’t (even if a tiny piece of you may want to) leave your child where they are. Because you love them, you take them (firmly) by the hand, and lead them to where they need to go.
God, like the good father He is, must sometimes takes us FIRMLY by the hand to lead us forward, too. Even in the midst of our “meltdowns” He nudges us along. In His goodness, He never leaves us behind.
Sometimes, though, we get tempted to let go of His hand and try to do this thing called “life” on our own terms.
So, what are some of the ways that we “let go” of His hand?
By thinking we’ve always got it!
As humans, we have a tendency to rely on ourselves, to think that we’ve got it all together, and to re-take control of our lives. But the twelve disciples did life with God himself, and even they still got it wrong sometimes.
Luke 22:60-62 NIV
Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Luke 22:33 NIV
”But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”
We’ve all had moments where we have fallen short. Moments where we’ve thought “I thought my faith was stronger than that, I didn’t think that little thing would affect me like that…”
We don’t have to get it right all the time, we just have to give up the driver’s seat, live vulnerably, and realize that while we don’t have all the answers, Jesus does and we can trust him.
Another way we can “let go” is by surrounding ourselves with people who only tell us what we want to hear. Who’s in your circle?
Proverbs 12:26a NIV
”The righteous choose their friends carefully”
The people we surround ourselves with are vital. When tough situations arise, we tend to gravitate towards people who will let us complain and wallow, but it’s important to have friends who can lovingly challenge us and encourage us to move forward.
So who are the people you surround yourselves with? If something were to happen, good or bad, who would you call?
The beauty of Connect Groups in church (or Bible Study Groups) is that they enable us to build relationships where we can be authentic, honest, and open. We can walk through challenges with people who share the same values that we hold, and who have been through what we’re going through and have come out on the other side.
We can’t do life on our own. When Jesus takes us firmly by the hand on the journey of radical life change, He wants us to know that He is in our corner and has placed people in our world to help us along.
How do you deal with disappointment?
Proverbs 13:12 MSG
“Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick,
but a sudden good break can turn life around.”
Disappointments will come in life – some small and some devastating – and they can be like a weight in our soul. It can drain us if we aren’t careful. We can choose let go of Jesus’s hand in these tough moments, when it feels like pummel after pummel strikes. But as believers, hope is always available. His hand is firmly holding ours, and even when we feel overwhelmed, He is near.
He knows exactly what we are walking through, and he’s never letting go. He is trustworthy. If we keep a hold of Him and stay our course, our disappointments could be the beginning of a whole new adventure.
So, what are some ways that we can handle disappointment well?
-By getting in His presence. Worship. Talk with Him. Meditate on His word and let it be the loudest voice in your life.
-Watch out for the Comparison Trap. Don’t compare your life to anyone else’s. You are on your own journey, walking out your own unique calling.
-Talk with someone who can lovingly challenge you and encourage you.
Remember that “This Too Shall Pass.” Your best days are still ahead of you. So, friend – don’t let go. Hold tight to Jesus’s hand and allow Him to lead you. Find people in your world who can lovingly challenge and remind you that you can get through whatever you face, and learn to handle disappointment well. Selah!